An SSPDF officer provided dramatic testimony on Monday as the Special Court continued the high-profile trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused, detailing intense fighting and harrowing conditions during the March 2025 attack in Nasir County.
Captain Joseph Malong Akot, appearing as the third eyewitness for the prosecution, recounted how an RPG-7 assault struck an armoured personnel carrier (APC) on March 3, forcing him and fellow soldiers to take cover inside the vehicle.
According to the captain’s testimony, his unit was trapped in the APC for six days without water or supplies amid sustained clashes allegedly involving White Army and SPLA-IO forces.
Malong described how fighting had escalated since late February and intensified in early March, with the attack led by commanders identified by troops.
After days of isolation under heavy fire, he raised a white T-shirt to signal his unit’s vulnerable position and was later informed that UN aircraft would conduct evacuation operations.
The captain testified that he insisted that his soldiers board evacuation aircraft before him, reaffirming his duty to protect his men.
The eyewitness also clarified during cross-examination that he did not observe any specific fighting on February 14, 2025, when some charge elements claim key events began.
Earlier in the session, the court resumed testimony from Captain Santino Akol, who outlined his role in coordinating the evacuation of 55 soldiers with international partners, including UNMISS and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Akol said all operational instructions were issued verbally, a point the defence probed during questioning.
The special court which is hearing charges including treason, crimes against humanity, mass murder, terrorism, and destruction of property tied to the Nasir assault has adjourned until December 17 as judges continue cross-examination of the third witness.
