Machar says he took steps to prevent violence in Nasir and Ulang

Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar has told the Special Court that he and three co-accused took steps to prevent violence in Nasir and Ulang counties, rejecting claims that they failed to intervene in several incidents.

Machar, the fifth accused in the ongoing trial, made the statement during the court’s 127th session in Juba, where he continued giving his testimony.

He told the court that they worked with government officials, community leaders and other stakeholders to prevent planned attacks and restore peace in the affected areas.

Machar cited an incident in which young people from Nasir and Ulang gathered at Kiech Kuon Payam, allegedly planning to raid cattle and loot property in the oil-producing counties of Melut, Longechuk and Maban.

He said they engaged the then Nasir County Commissioner, government officials, chiefs, elders and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to persuade the youth to abandon the plan.

Machar also told the court that another group of about 3,000 young people gathered at Meer Chuai, reportedly expecting to receive weapons from an opposition group. He said the then county commissioner intervened and dispersed the group peacefully.

His testimony also addressed clashes between SSPDF soldiers and armed youth in Nasir from 2022 to 2024. The incidents resulted in deaths, injuries and the displacement of thousands of civilians.

Machar referred to investigation reports by the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), which recommended deploying the Necessary Unified Forces to replace SSPDF troops stationed in Nasir.

The court adjourned the proceedings to November 11, when Machar is expected to continue his testimony.