By Matik Kueth
A South African digital forensic specialist on Friday told the special court that newly analyzed phone data points to alleged coordination surrounding attacks on South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) barges before the March 2025 assault on the Nasir garrison.
Appearing during the 48th session of proceedings, expert witness Ratlhogo Peter Calvin presented video clips, audio files, and WhatsApp conversations reportedly extracted from devices linked to Lawmaker Gatwech Lam Puoch and General Gabriel Duop Lam, both among the co-accused in the case involving suspended First Vice President Riek Machar.
According to the testimony, several messages referenced clashes between the White Army and SSPDF units along river routes toward Nasir and Ulang counties.
One communication presented in court indicated that reinforcements were being sought after barges carrying government troops reportedly encountered resistance near Lony.
The prosecution says the redeployed forces were intended to relieve soldiers who had spent years stationed at the Nasir garrison, while additional messages cited logistical challenges, including low river levels that allegedly slowed the barges’ movement.
Peter also introduced political statements attributed to SPLM-IO lawmakers that criticized military deployments to Nasir and Ulang, as well as exchanges allegedly discussing ammunition transactions.
Defense teams have yet to respond publicly to the claims presented during the session.
Presiding judge James Alala adjourned the hearing after the expert’s partial testimony.
The trial is scheduled to resume on Monday, February 9, 2026, when the forensic witness is expected to conclude his findings.
Machar and seven co-accused face charges ranging from murder and conspiracy to terrorism, treason and crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors alleged that fighters allied with the White Army killed 257 SSPDF soldiers and destroyed or captured equipment worth an estimated $58 million during the March 2025 attack, allegations the defense disputes as the high-profile proceedings continue.