SOUTH SUDAN – The United Nations has noted the arrest of South Sudan Vice-President Riek Machar on charges of murder, treason and crimes against humanity for his alleged involvement in attacks by ethnic militia against federal forces in March. Hours after the announcement, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his post.
The UN Secretary General’s Spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, says the charges against Machar and his suspension escalate a feud between the country’s two main political camps, the other led by Kiir which faced off in a 2013-2018 civil war in which an estimated 400-thousand people died.
“Our peacekeeping mission there notes the announcement of legal charges against First Vice President Riek Machar and seven other individuals, and that those charges were filed by the minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
“The mission reminds us that any judicial proceedings should adhere to international standards of fairness and transparency with full respect of the rule of law and human rights.
“Today is also the seventh anniversary of the revitalised peace agreement, and the security and political tensions continue to escalate across the country. The UN peacekeeping mission there calls on all parties to place the interests of their people first.”
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