Power Outage Halts High-Profile Trial of South Sudan’s Riek Machar
The high-stakes trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, was thrown into disarray on Wednesday after a sudden power outage forced an abrupt adjournment at the Freedom Hall courthouse.
Proceedings Grind to a Halt
What was meant to be the 20th session of the Special Court investigating the so-called Nasir Incident came to an unceremonious stop just as proceedings began. The blackout left the courtroom in darkness, compelling Presiding Judge Stephen Simon to suspend the hearing indefinitely.
The case, which involves Dr. Machar and seven senior members of the SPLM/A-IO opposition group, has been a focal point of South Sudan’s fragile political landscape. How can a nation move toward reconciliation when its most fundamental services fail at critical moments?
Absences and New Hearing Date
While most parties were present for what promised to be another dramatic chapter in the long-running case, two accused individuals—Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam and Brig. Gen. Camilo Gatmai Kel—were notably absent due to reported health concerns.
Judge Simon announced that the hearing would reconvene on Friday, November 14, 2025, when the court is expected to question the Lead Investigator, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani.
Explosive Testimony Precedes Blackout
The power failure followed particularly explosive testimony from earlier in the week. On Monday, Gen. Wani dropped a political bombshell, claiming that the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok, had verbally authorized the arrest of SPLA-IO Acting Chief of Staff Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
This revelation pertains to a March crackdown that specifically targeted SPLM/A-IO officials, raising serious questions about the chain of command and due process.
Forensic Evidence and Immunity Questions
The nineteenth session of the trial had focused on clarifying issues raised by defense lawyers during cross-examination. Prosecutors pressed Gen. Wani on multiple fronts, including the identities of those allegedly involved in the Nasir clashes and the authenticity of documents and digital evidence submitted to the court.
When defense counsel questioned whether the 2018 peace agreement provided immunity for the accused, Gen. Wani responded unequivocally that the accord offers no protection for what he characterized as “grave offenses.”
In perhaps the most dramatic revelation, the investigator disclosed that a digital forensic analysis of Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol’s phone had uncovered communications and a photograph allegedly showing $30,000 worth of arms purchased through Brig. Gen. Hokdor Chuol. According to Gen. Wani, this evidence was sent to the minister by an individual identified as Chuol Gatnor.
As South Sudan awaits the resumption of proceedings, the temporary silence in the courtroom speaks volumes about the challenges facing the world’s youngest nation. The trial’s outcome could significantly impact the country’s fragile peace process and its journey toward stable governance.
Source: Original reporting from the ground in Juba.