JUBA, October 8, 2025
South Sudan’s security forces on Wednesday barred independent journalists from covering the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, sparking outrage among media groups and human rights defenders who say the move is a serious setback for judicial transparency and press freedom in the country.
Despite earlier assurances that the Special Court proceedings would remain open to the public, only state-run media particularly the South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation (SSBC) were allowed access to Freedom Hall, where the trial is being held under tight security.
Independent reporters from several local and international outlets were turned away without explanation.
Media Block Sparks Outcry
The Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) and the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network (SSHRDN) condemned the move, calling it a deliberate attempt to suppress information and control public perception.
“The court had promised full transparency,” one journalist said after being denied entry. “Blocking us from covering such a high-profile trial is censorship and intimidation.”
Rights defenders say the restriction undermines citizens’ right to know and contradicts the government’s stated commitment to accountability and openness in national affairs.
Dr. Riek Machar’s High-Stakes Trial
Dr. Machar and seven senior allies face charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity related to last year’s deadly Nasir military attack that reportedly left over 250 soldiers dead.
The government alleges that Machar’s loyalists masterminded the assault on an SSPDF base in Upper Nile State, an accusation his defense team strongly denies.
The Special Court, led by Justice John Gatwech, had earlier pledged to maintain open sessions to build public trust.
However, Wednesday’s decision to exclude independent journalists casts doubt on that commitment and has raised fears that political influence may be overshadowing judicial independence.
ANALYSIS: What Today’s Events Reveal
1. Power Over Transparency
Today’s exclusion of private media was not a random security measure; it was a strategic control of narrative.
By granting exclusive access to state media, the government effectively secured control over what is reported and what is not.
This move symbolizes the tight grip of political authority over state institutions, transforming a legal process into a stage-managed political display.
The court’s image of independence is now clouded by questions about executive interference.
2. The Trial as Political Weapon
Analytically, Machar’s trial sits at the intersection of justice and politics.
As the opposition leader and a key peace partner, his prosecution carries heavy political implications.
Restricting coverage reinforces suspicions that the process is meant to neutralize political competition rather than deliver impartial justice.
If not carefully handled, this could alienate Machar’s base, embolden hardliners within SPLM-IO, and destabilize the already fragile peace implementation process ahead of the 2025 elections.
3. Judicial Independence in Question
The visible presence of armed forces controlling court access sends a clear message the judiciary still operates under executive influence.
When courts rely on state security to enforce selective restrictions, it weakens confidence in their neutrality. In post-conflict states like South Sudan, justice must be seen to be fair, not just claimed to be so.
This erosion of judicial legitimacy threatens broader nation-building efforts and public faith in state institutions.
4. Risk to Peace and Stability
The decision to close off coverage has far-reaching consequences. Dr. Machar’s supporters could interpret this as confirmation that the trial is politically motivated, which may inflame resentment within his strongholds in Upper Nile, Jonglei, and Unity states.
Analysts warn that a perceived miscarriage of justice could undermine the peace deal, discourage reconciliation, and possibly reignite localized tensions if left unchecked.
5. Diplomatic and International Fallout
South Sudan’s handling of Machar’s trial is being closely watched by international partners including the UN, AU, IGAD, and donor countries.
Blocking journalists from observing proceedings contradicts the country’s promises to uphold democratic values and media freedom.
From a foreign policy perspective, such moves may damage President Salva Kiir’s international image, reducing confidence among allies and potentially affecting future development support tied to governance reforms.
Analyst’s Insight: The Bigger Picture
President Salva Kiir Mayardit’s administration has worked hard to project stability and progress as the 2025 elections approach.
However, today’s decision risks undoing those efforts by painting a picture of a government afraid of transparency and dependent on information control.
International observers already view the Machar trial as a litmus test for South Sudan’s judiciary.
By barring the press, the state inadvertently strengthens the opposition’s claim that justice in South Sudan is political, not procedural.
This episode could also sway voter sentiment. For many citizens, transparency and fairness are linked directly to leadership credibility.
If the public perceives that the judicial process is manipulated, it may weaken both domestic legitimacy and international trust in Kiir’s government.
In short, what happened today is not just a courtroom issue it is a national credibility test that will echo far beyond the walls of Freedom Hall.
Conclusion
Today’s incident at the Special Court underscores the urgent need for South Sudan to rebuild public confidence in its institutions through openness, accountability, and respect for press freedom.
Suppressing independent reporting in a high-profile political trial undermines not only judicial credibility but also the broader peace and reform agenda that South Sudan’s leadership claims to uphold.
As the world watches, the question remains: will the government correct course and embrace transparency, or continue down a path that risks deepening mistrust both at home and abroad?
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