Riek Machar, S. Sudan’s First Vice-President, is battling a serious court case in which he has been charged with murder and treason.
Justice Minister, Joseph Geng Akech, said the charges against Machar relate to an attack in March by a militia allegedly linked to the Vice President.
The roads leading to his house in the capital, Juba, have been blocked by tanks and soldiers.
Forces loyal to Machar fought a five-year civil war against those backing President Salva Kiir until a 2018 peace deal ending the fighting in the world’s newest country.
Machar has been under house arrest since March, with the UN, African Union and neighbouring countries all calling for calm.
The 2018 peace deal ended the conflict that had killed nearly 400,000 people, however the relationship between Machar and Kiir has become increasingly strained amid ethnic tensions and sporadic violence.
Seven others have been charged alongside Machar, including Petroleum Minister, Puot Kang Chol, and Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Gabriel Duop Lam, Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech said in a statement.
They are all Machar’s allies who were arrested at the same time as him and have also been in detention ever since. Other 13 suspects remain at large, the minister said.
The March attack was carried out by the White Army militia, largely made up of fighters from the Nuer ethnic group, the same as Machar.
They overran an army base in the north-eastern town of Nasir, reportedly killing 250 soldiers and a general. A UN helicopter also came under fire, leading to the death of its pilot.
“This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan, against our armed forces, and against humanitarian personnel will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence,” the justice minister said.
He added that as the matter was now before the courts, it should not be subject to political or diplomatic debate until a judicial pronouncement is made.
Machar has not commented on the allegations.
