Machar Denies Role in Escalating Nasir Conflict

By Awan Achiek

Former First Vice President Riek Machar, the fifth accused in the ongoing Nasir trial, denied on Wednesday allegations that he played a role in escalating the March 2025 Nasir conflict.

During his testimony at the 125th session, Machar refuted claims made by former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel regarding the crisis.

He stated that on March 1, 2025, he had instructed the commissioners of Nasir and Ulang counties, along with chiefs and youth leaders, to encourage young people to leave Nasir town and return to their villages.

 He reported that most complied, with only members of the Mitnyiel section and a few other residents remaining in the town.

Machar further asserted that the two commissioners confirmed to him on March 2 that the youth had left Nasir and Ulang.

He also denied accusations that he ordered Tor Gille Tuoan to take action after barges carrying government troops failed to reach Nasir.

“I was unaware of the nature of the orders I gave to Tor. What I know is that the barges were transporting SSPDF soldiers to relieve those stationed at Wec-yar-Adiw,” he explained.

A 75-year-old SPLM-IO leader corroborated that the barges were meant to transport South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers for replacement.

He detailed a telephone conference he held with the commissioners of Ulang and Nasir, Upper Nile State Governor James Odok, and Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok, discussing alternative arrangements after the vessels could not proceed beyond Malakal.

 He proposed hiring six large boats to transport the soldiers and their supplies, and Gen. Paul Nang agreed to cover the $60,000 cost for the vessels, sourced from Burebie near the Ethiopian border.

However, Machar later learned from the Ulang commissioner that the gunboats and troops had been ordered to return to

Malakal, and he stated that the mission was called off without prior notice from Gen. Paul Nang.

Machar also refuted Bol Mel’s claim that he was asked to deploy SPLA-IO forces as a buffer zone between government troops and the White Army but neglected to respond.

He clarified that Bol Mel never made such a request, noting that a buffer zone had already been established by SPLA-IO forces during clashes between government troops and local youth in Nasir on February 10–12, 2024.

After relations improved, the SPLA-IO forces withdrew to their bases and cantonment sites.

Additionally, Machar denied claims that the White Army fought to recover the body of Sultan Tor Gille Tuoan from trenches, asserting that he continued to communicate with Bol Mel after March 4, 2025, through Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs Garang Tony Aken and Gen. Paul Nang.

He also disputed Bol Mel’s account of an alleged joint meeting involving himself, Bol Mel, the UN, and the chief of defense forces to discuss the evacuation of government troops from Nasir, stating that no such meeting occurred and that he had never heard of a proposal for evacuation in that manner.

Furthermore, Machar denied that the White Army was supported by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

He likened it to groups he identified as Dut Ku Beny, Mathiang Anyor, and Tit Bay, which he claimed were militias supported by the SSPDF.

 He also compared the White Army to traditional youth groups in various South Sudanese communities, including the Gelweng or Titweng among the Dinka, the Monyomoji among the Otuho and Lokoya, and age-set groups among the Murle.

The court adjourned the session to November 2, 2026, when Machar is expected to continue his defense statement.