Senior presidential advisor, Kuol Manyang Juuk, has reiterated that the house arrest of Dr. Riek Machar is a criminal matter with no political undertones, while Machar’s allies accused the government of political persecution.
Kuol, who chairs the high-level committee overseeing the implementation of the 2018 peace deal, made the statement on Monday during a briefing to the visiting African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council in Juba.
“On the issue of Dr. Riek, we said the procedures are underway. It is not a political detention; it is a criminal procedure,” Kuol said, according to a broadcast on the state-owned SSBC TV.
“It is a normal process taken when someone is suspected of a crime because it is linked to the deaths of soldiers in Nasir and fighting in other areas.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Dr. Machar’s house arrest, Kuol reported that security arrangements under the 2018 peace agreement are progressing.
He announced that the second batch of unified forces will begin training in September and are expected to be deployed by November.
“After that, the security forces will become one body under one commander-in-chief and can be deployed across the country,” he explained, noting this would pave the way for elections by late 2026.
Dr. Machar, leader of the SPLM-IO, has been under house arrest since March 26 for his alleged involvement in violence in Nasir County, Upper Nile state. Supporters and members of the SPLM-IO have denied the allegation, calling his detention politically motivated.
Reacting to the Kuol’s remarks, Juol Nhomngek Gec, a Member of Parliament on SPLM-IO’s ticket, faulted Gen. Kuol and described Dr. Machar’s detention as a political maneuver.
In a statement on his Facebook page, Nhomngek accused unnamed government officials of ignoring legal ethics and promoting tribal politics.
“It is now very clear that the SPLM-IG’s government conspired to involve His Excellency President Kiir in a baseless case,” he wrote.
Nhomngek expressed his disappointment, adding, “It is sad to see individuals with legal backgrounds speaking as if they are ordinary villagers.”
“Law teaches us to defend the truth without fear or favor. The way some officials discuss criminal law is embarrassing and shows the highest level of ignorance.”
