Electricity Blackout Disrupts Court Session in Machar trial

Dr. Riek Machar (Photo Credit: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja / File)

By: Alfadil Attiya Abuanja

May 18, 2026 — JUBA

Proceedings in the trial involving suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused were temporarily adjourned on Monday after a generator failure caused a power outage at the courthouse, disrupting the hearing.

Court officials said the generator developed a technical fault, cutting electricity supply to the courtroom and affecting microphones, lighting and recording equipment.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng suspended the session and adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, May 20, 2026, to allow the court to continue hearing testimony from the first accused, Puot Kang Chol.

Kang, 41, faces charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason and crimes against humanity.

The co-accused are Riek Machar, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek and Dominic Gatgok Riek.

Machar remains under house arrest, while the other defendants are being held in detention by the National Security Service.

Prosecutors allege that forces linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition, alongside allied White Army militia, killed 257 soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, including commander David Majur Dak, during an attack on a military garrison in Nasir in March 2025.

The prosecution further claims that military equipment valued at approximately $58 million was destroyed or seized during the assault.