The trial of suspended South Sudanese Vice-President Riek Machar began this Monday, 22 September 2025, with the former rebel leader appearing in court for the first time since his house arrest in last March. Machar, seen in a cage alongside seven co-defendants, faces charges of treason, crimes against humanity, murder, conspiracy, terrorism, and destruction of public property. The proceedings, broadcast live on national television, come after President Salva Kiir suspended him earlier this month, accusing him of involvement in an attack on a government garrison. Defense lawyers challenged the court’s authority, arguing that prosecuting Machar undermines the 2018 peace deal which underpins South Sudan’s transitional government. Machar, long seen as Kiir’s chief rival, remains recognized by the peace agreement as the country’s first vice president, despite his suspension.