South Sudan’s Supreme Court has adjourned the trial of First Vice President Dr Riek Machar and seven co-accused officials until Friday, after investigators requested additional time. The defence team strongly opposed the move, but the Chief Justice ruled in favour of the investigators. Media outlets were also barred from broadcasting the proceedings live, with no explanation provided.

This marks the fifth day of hearings in the high-profile case against Dr Machar and seven senior SPLA-IO members, including Hon Gatwick Lam. The charges stem from the Nasir incidents in March, during the period of the Transitional Government of National Unity. Prosecutors allege that Machar’s forces were behind the attacks on government bases in Nasir County—an accusation the defendants firmly deny.

The government has presented eyewitnesses from Ulang County to link former petroleum minister Hon Puot Kang to the violence. Testimonies claim he communicated with White Army youth fighters and financed the conflict in Nasir. However, Puot Kang has dismissed the allegations outright, insisting he has committed no wrongdoing.