Machar denies Bol Mel’s claim he ordered forces to advance on Nasir barracks

Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has denied allegations by former Vice President Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel that he ordered forces to advance towards the Nasir garrison in March 2025.

Machar, who is the fifth accused in the case, made the denial while continuing with his defense statement during the 125th session of the Special Court in Juba.

He disputed Bol Mel’s allegation that he ordered forces to move towards Nasir after government boats carrying SSPDF soldiers got stuck in Malual area.

Machar told the court that he instead discussed with the then Chief of Defence Forces, General Paul Nang Majok, how to transport the soldiers and their supplies to the Nasir garrison.

He said they agreed to hire six large boats at a cost of 60-thousand US dollars to transport the SSPDF soldiers to Wich-Yar-Adiu.

Machar said the boats were acquired from Bora byei, near the Ethiopian border, but the mission was later called off after the forces were ordered to return to Malakal.

The former First Vice President also disputed allegations that the White Army fought to recover the body of the late Sultan Tor Gile Thon from the trenches of the SSPDF garrison.

Machar told the court that Dr. Bol Mel had avoided speaking with him since March 4, 2025, despite his continued attempts to communicate through Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Garang Tong Akeen.

He further rejected an allegation that he had refused a proposal for SPLA-IO forces to act as a buffer between government forces and the White Army in Nasir.

Machar is expected to continue presenting his defense statement when the court resumes on November 2, 2026.