November 08, 2025 Juba, South Sudan — The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) has issued a sharp rebuke of what it calls “unprocedural and politically motivated” court proceedings targeting its leader, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon, and other senior figures in the movement.
In a press statement today, November 8, the SPLM-IO’s National Committee on Foreign Relations accused the government of manipulating the judicial system by attempting to secretly relocate the controversial “Special Court” handling the so-called Nasir Incident case. The court, currently convening in Juba, may be moved to Rumbek or another undisclosed location, according to credible reports cited in the statement.
The SPLM-IO contends that the court proceedings have been discredited by the collapse of the prosecution’s narrative. During the 18th session of the trial on November 5, the defense team’s cross-examination of lead investigator Major General Basilio Thomas Wani revealed serious flaws, including a lack of credible evidence and legal justification for the charges. The investigator admitted under oath that Dr. Machar had called for dialogue and issued instructions to avoid violence before the Nasir incident, undermining claims of incitement or command responsibility.
Despite the unraveling case, the government’s reported plan to move the trial is seen by SPLM-IO as a “deliberate attempt to shield the proceedings from public scrutiny,” thereby endangering Dr. Machar and other detained leaders.
“The continued persecution of SPLM/A (IO) leaders is a political witch-hunt,” the statement reads, “intended to destabilize the peace agreement and silence opposition voices.”
The movement has called for the immediate release of all its detained leaders and appealed to international actors, including IGAD, the African Union, and the United Nations, to intervene.
The controversy raises serious questions about the independence of South Sudan’s judiciary and the future of the fragile peace process. The relocation of the trial, if executed, could deepen political divisions and reignite instability at a time when national unity is critical.
