Machar Raises Urgent Security Concern as Special Court Adjourns Proceedings

By Awan Achiek

The Former First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar raised an urgent but unspecified security concern before the Special Court trying him and seven co-defendants, requesting the judges to consider a complaint from the defense team during the court’s 128th session on Wednesday.

Addressing the court, Machar stated that the defense team needed to present an urgent matter, although he did not disclose the details of the complaint in his remarks.

“We have a complaint that we want to bring to the court regarding the defense. Due to an urgent matter, we believe this should be presented to you,” Machar said.

He emphasized the urgency of the complaint, stating that it required the judges’ attention.

Judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa, a member of the three-panel jury, responded that the court is competent to consider urgent matters but advised Machar to have his legal representatives present the complaint.

“We are a competent court. If you have something urgent, let your advocate bring it to us,” Simon said.

Judge Simon then announced that proceedings would be adjourned until November 18, 2026, to accommodate the state funeral of veteran politician and military commander Joseph Lagu Yanga, whose burial is scheduled for Friday in Juba.

Lagu passed away on October 27, 2026, and his funeral is expected to be attended by President Salva Kiir and other senior government officials.

Machar and his seven co-defendants face charges arising from the Nasir clashes, including treason, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, destruction of public property, and crimes against humanity. They deny all charges.

Prosecutors allege that forces aligned with the SPLM/A-IO and the White Army attacked a government garrison in Nasir, resulting in the deaths of 257 soldiers, including Gen. David Majur Dak, and the destruction or seizure of military equipment valued at approximately US$58 million.