President Salva Kiir has suspended First Vice President Riek Machar after prosecutors linked him to the killing of soldiers and crimes against humanity.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has suspended First Vice President Riek Machar over charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
The decree, broadcast on state radio Thursday, followed Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech’s announcement that Machar was accused of involvement in the killing of more than 250 soldiers and a general by the White Army Militia in Nasir.
Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and former deputy army chief Gabriel Duop Lam, described as Machar’s allies, were also suspended and remain in custody.
Mr. Akech alleged the White Army operated under Machar’s influence and vowed that “those who commit atrocities… will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence.”
Machar, first appointed vice president in 2011, has long been a central figure in South Sudan’s turbulent politics, accused of coup attempts and civil war involvement.