South Sudan Vows to Hold Machar Accountable Over Alleged Plot to Rebel

JUBA – The South Sudanese government announced on Friday its intention to investigate and hold First Vice President Riek Machar accountable for alleged actions threatening the country’s fragile peace agreement, citing evidence of a plot to incite rebellion and disrupt upcoming elections.

Government Accuses Machar of Undermining Peace Process

This marked the government’s first official statement since Machar’s house arrest earlier in the week. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth told reporters in Juba that Machar, leader of the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), was accused of orchestrating a covert campaign to undermine the government.

“Since the beginning of March 2025, and according to intelligence and security reports, Dr. Riek Machar had been in direct contact with his bases on the ground, specifically with politicians and commanders of the SPLM/A-IO, agitating them to rebel against the government with the aim of disrupting peace so that elections are not held and South Sudan goes back to war,” Lueth stated.

Alleged Attacks and Government Response

The minister detailed several alleged actions, including:

• An attack on the Nasir garrison in early March resulting in the death of SSPDF commander Maj. Gen. Majur Dak
• The subsequent dispersal of government forces in the area
• SPLM-IO forces allegedly seizing control of training centers on March 26, 2025

Makuei explained that President Salva Kiir Mayardit authorized Machar’s house arrest on March 26, 2025, to protect the 2018 revitalized peace agreement and prevent further destabilization.

Government’s Commitment to Peace Agreement

“Dr. Riek Machar and his anti-peace colleagues of the SPLM/A-IO, who are under arrest, will be investigated and brought to book accordingly,” Lueth added, indicating the government’s resolve to pursue legal action.

The government urged the South Sudanese public to remain calm and continue their daily activities, dismissing rumors and social media propaganda as sources of misinformation.

Call for International Support

Officials also called for national, regional, and international assistance for communities affected by the ongoing conflict, highlighting the need for support in the face of escalating tensions.

“The Government calls upon the people of South Sudan to be calm and maintain peace and peaceful co-existence. The Peace Agreement is ever there and shall be implemented in letter and spirit. The Peace Agreement has not collapsed and shall not under any circumstances,” Lueth emphasized.

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