South Sudan has commenced a high-stakes treason trial against First Vice President Riek Machar, deepening tensions between him and President Salva Kiir and shattering their fragile “unity government.” Machar, accused of orchestrating a militia attack that killed more than 250 soldiers, appeared in court with seven allies, including the petroleum minister, as the proceedings were broadcast nationwide. His party denounced the charges as fabricated, while civil society groups urged transparency to restore public trust. The trial has sparked fears of renewed conflict, with the UN warning that the nation risks sliding back into civil war, eroding fragile peace gains since 2018. As the world’s youngest nation grapples with extreme poverty and a severe food crisis, the political crisis casts a long shadow over its future.
Aljazeera
