The Special Court handling the Nasir incident case involving First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon and seven other SPLM/A (IO) officials convened its 25th session at Freedom Hall on Wednesday, hearing detailed claims of casualties, destroyed equipment, and alleged operational failures presented by the prosecution’s first witness.
Major Peter Malual Deng, a Legal Advisor representing the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), concluded his testimony by submitting additional documents and multimedia exhibits tied to the 2014 Nasir clashes.
The evidence already entered as Exhibit Eight included video footage, photographs, voice recordings, and field reports previously compiled by investigators.
Maj. Deng told the court that the materials purportedly document the killing of SSPDF soldiers, scenes of armed youth fighters with captured equipment, and images allegedly taken after government forces retook Nasir in April.
He claimed that 257 SSPDF soldiers were killed, 16 wounded, and military equipment and vehicles worth $58 million lost in the fighting.
The witness also submitted lists said to identify soldiers killed or who survived the incident, statements regarding the withdrawal of SSPDF forces from the Wech-Yar-Adiu garrison, and an inventory of weapons reportedly destroyed.
Maj. Deng further described findings from what he called the SSPDF’s “investigation committee,” which he said concluded that the attack on the garrison was a premeditated operation planned by SPLA-IO forces.
He alleged that the deaths of General David Majur and other personnel resulted from coordinated actions involving both SPLA-IO forces and Nuer Armed Youth.
He additionally implicated senior SPLA-IO officials, including Dr. Machar, Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Lt. Gen. Yiey Dak, and Gen. Dhiling Keak, alleging failures in command responsibility and lack of action to prevent or condemn violations.
He also referenced what he described as “negative propaganda” circulated by MP Gatwech Lam Puoch.
Presiding Judge Dr. James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings, setting the next session for Friday, November 28, when the defence is expected to begin cross-examining the prosecution’s first witness and respond to the allegations.
