The high-profile trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, was on Friday abruptly adjourned after one of the three judges presiding over the case fell ill.
The hearing, held at the Special Court inside Juba’s Freedom Hall, was halted when Judge Stephen Simon became unwell, leaving the panel incomplete.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng consequently postponed the proceedings to Wednesday, 10 December 2025.
“One of the members of the panel is sick. He is receiving treatment; therefore, we are going to adjourn the session,” Judge Alala announced.
The court had been scheduled to continue the cross-examination of Major Peter Malual Deng, the first prosecution witness and a military investigator. Friday’s session would have marked the 28th hearing since the trial began.
Dr. Machar and seven other accused individuals face serious charges including murder, treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property.
The case stems from a deadly attack on a military installation in Nasir County in March 2025, which prosecutors allege involved a militia linked to Machar.
The attack reportedly resulted in the deaths of Major General David Majur Dak, more than 250 soldiers, and a member of a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter crew.
Other accused individuals appearing alongside Machar include:
Puot Kang Chol, 40
Mam Pal Dhuor, 37
Gatwech Lam Puoch, 66
Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, 53
Camilo Gatmai Kel, 47
Mading Yak Riek, 45
Dominic Gatgok Riek, 27
All defendants have denied the charges.
Given Dr. Riek Machar’s political influence and the fragile nature of South Sudan’s peace process, the trial continues to attract wide domestic and international attention.
The court is expected to resume proceedings next week, pending the recovery of the ill judge.
