South Sudan’s former First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has asked the Special Court on the Incident of Nasir to allow him to present video footage as evidence in his ongoing trial, as he continued challenging aspects of the proceedings during Wednesday’s 121st court session in Juba.
According to a statement issued by the SPLM/A-IO, the requested video exhibits contain public remarks made by senior government officials during the state burial and funeral rites of the late Gen. David Majur Dak, before and after Machar’s arrest.
Dr. Machar says the footage is intended to support his defence argument concerning statements made by government officials about him and other SPLM/A-IO leaders before the establishment of the Special Court.
The prosecution objected to the request.
During the same session, Machar continued presenting his defence statement, questioning why he was listed as the fifth accused in the case rather than the first.
Machar argued that his designation in the charge sheet contradicted the order in which his name appeared in official documents issued by the Ministry of Justice and the warrant establishing the court.
He told the panel of judges that he viewed the designation as a political attempt to undermine his position as First Vice President at the time of the events in question.
The former vice president also used his statement to raise broader concerns about the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), recent legal and constitutional changes, and preparations for the December 22, 2026, general elections.
Machar alleged that political developments following his arrest, including changes to the peace agreement and electoral laws, had contributed to what he described as a constitutional and security crisis.
These assertions form part of his defence and the SPLM/A-IO’s position on the proceedings.
The Special Court on the Incident of Nasir is hearing a case linked to the deadly clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State, in March 2025.
Machar is among eight SPLM/A-IO figures facing charges in connection with the case.
The SPLM/A-IO has repeatedly rejected the proceedings, describing them as politically motivated and demanding the release of Machar and other detained members.
The court adjourned Wednesday’s proceedings until Monday, October 19, when the judges are expected to rule on Machar’s request to present the video exhibits.
He is also expected to continue his oral defence testimony.
