JUBA — The trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny was adjourned on Wednesday after seven co-accused defendants failed to appear in court and a power outage forced the suspension of proceedings.
The Special Court hearing the case said only Dr. Machar, who is listed as the fifth accused, was present during the 95th session held at Freedom Hall in Juba.
Prosecutors told the court that the absence of the other defendants was due to unspecified challenges, while the defence argued that only the detention authorities could provide an explanation for why the accused individuals were not brought before the court.
Judge Stephen Simon Binjigwa ruled that the proceedings could not continue after a complete power failure affected the court and there was insufficient fuel available to operate the facility’s backup generator.
The judge adjourned the hearing until July 15, 2026, when the court is expected to resume proceedings.
The interruption came on the same day as a fire broke out at the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau (ISB), widely known as the Blue House, where several detainees are being held. Authorities said all detainees and security personnel were safely evacuated and that no injuries were reported.
The case against Machar and his co-accused is one of the most closely watched legal proceedings in South Sudan, involving senior political and security figures accused of crimes linked to armed violence and instability in the country.
The court is expected to continue hearing testimony from the third accused, Gatwech Lam, a lawmaker affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), once proceedings resume.
Machar’s trial has drawn significant attention both inside South Sudan and internationally as the country continues efforts to implement its 2018 peace agreement and navigate political tensions ahead of planned democratic reforms.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 15, with the court expected to determine whether all accused persons can be brought before the bench and proceedings can continue.
