By Matik Kueth
A bodyguard to the late Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak told the special court on Monday that First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar personally directed the distribution of four government tanks to his SPLA-IO forces and allied White Army militias in the aftermath of the deadly March 2025 attack on the Nasir County garrison.
Sgt. Mayen Kuol Chan, a survivor of the assault, recounted harrowing events before the court’s 35th session at Freedom Hall in Juba, overseen by prosecution member Ajak Mayol Bior.
Kuol said Machar phoned Gen. Majur after the garrison was attacked, instructing him to leave the tanks in place for SPLA-IO and specific sub-clans of the Jikany Nuer-aligned White Army militia.
The witness described a chaotic sequence leading to Majur’s death. SPLA-IO commander Brig. Gen. Koang Mayom arrived on March 7, seized the tanks, and oversaw the handover.
When UN helicopters arrived for evacuation, Kuol said the injured general was carried mid-way by SPLA-IO soldiers, then thrown to the ground and shot, leaving him dead.
Kuol himself was captured by White Army fighters, who demanded a $10,000 ransom for his release, later reduced to $6,000.
Presiding Judge James Alala Deng adjourned the session until Jan. 7 for cross-examination.
Machar and seven co-accused face charges including murder, conspiracy, treason, terrorism, and crimes against humanity.
Prosecutors claim 257 SSPDF soldiers were killed and military equipment worth $58 million destroyed or seized during the Nasir attack.