By Matik Kueth
The special court trying First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar and seven other SPLM-IO members on Wednesday ordered improvements to their detention conditions, directing authorities to permit daily outdoor time and allow family-provided meals under the supervision of the National Security Service (NSS).
The ruling, issued during the 18th session, also granted each accused person access to independent medical care following a motion filed by the defense on October 22.
Judge Stephen Simon, a member of the special court panel, delivered the decision after weeks of complaints about the detainees’ health and treatment in custody.
Prosecutors had objected to the defense motion, insisting it lacked evidence that any detainee required special medical attention or additional food.
Machar was placed under house arrest on March 26th, while his allies were detained earlier that month on treason and security-related charges.
At the session, the defense concluded cross-examination of the lead investigator, Maj. Gen. Basilio Thomas Wani, who testified about Machar’s alleged involvement in the March 2025 Nasir clashes between government forces and the Nuer White Army militia.
Defense lawyer Kur Lual Kur questioned the investigator on whether Machar played a role in helping rescue government soldiers trapped in Nasir after the fighting.
Wani responded affirmatively, acknowledging Machar’s intervention but added that “some soldiers paid ransom to be evacuated.”
He further noted that Machar had ordered youth in Nasir to cease hostilities through the county commissioner and even coordinated with local chiefs to help end the clashes.
The violent confrontation on March 3, 2025, saw the White Army overrun the SSPDF garrison in Nasir, killing more than 200 soldiers and taking control of the town.
Two defendants missed Wednesday’s session due to illness, prompting Presiding Judge Justice James Alala to adjourn proceedings to November 10, 2025, when the prosecution is set to begin its re-cross-examination of Maj. Gen. Wani.
Machar and his co-accused, including Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek, continue to face charges of treason, terrorism, murder, crimes against humanity, and destruction of property, an allegation SPLM-IO said was a violation of the ceasefire between the white army and the SSPDF forces in Nasir.