Peace Agreements & Legal Framework
Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS, 2018) – Comprehensive peace deal restoring Machar as Vice President; basis for current unity government. Download: [PDF text of R-ARCSS (Sept 2018)】
Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS, 2015) – Original peace agreement ending the first civil war (2013–2015); provided for power-sharing and reforms. Download: [PDF text of ARCSS (Aug 2015)】
Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan (2011, amended 2015 & 2018) – Governing charter. The 2015 and 2018 amendments incorporated peace deal terms (power-sharing, extended transition) into law. Download: [PDF of 2011 Constitution (with amendments)】
Penal Code Act (2008) – South Sudan’s criminal code. Cited by authorities in charging Dr. Machar, although international observers note misuse for political repression. Download: [PDF of Penal Code Act, 2008】
Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Act (2012, amended 2024) – Defines financial crimes. A 2024 amendment tightened provisions, ostensibly to curb insurgent financing. Download: [PDF of AML/CFT Act, 2012】
International & Regional Bodies
·UNMISS/OHCHR Report – “Deprivation of Liberty in South Sudan: Jan 2023 – May 2024” – United Nations report detailing arbitrary arrests of civilians and political figures. Found 1,140+ arbitrary detentions in 18 months, and urged South Sudan to uphold due process. (Highlights the pattern of arbitrary detention and shrinking political freedoms, which Machar’s situation exemplifies.) Source: [ReliefWeb summary of UNMISS report】[1].
· UN Panel of Experts on South Sudan – Final Report (2025) – UN Security Council experts document ongoing ceasefire violations, arms flows, and political strife. Warned that Machar’s “arrest… stirred fears of a return to war” and urged respect for the peace agreement[2][3]. Download: [UN Panel of Experts Report, July 2025 (S/2025/442)】
· African Union Peace & Security Council – Press Statement (31 Mar 2025) – AU PSC condemned Machar’s 26 March 2025 arrest, calling for his “immediate and unconditional release” and warning that detaining a peace partner threatens the fragile peace. The AU emphasized R-ARCSS “remains the most viable framework” and urged dialogue over coercion. Source: [AU PSC Press Statement, 31 March 2025】
· IGAD Communiqué & Statement (March 2025) – Regional bloc IGAD (peace guarantor) expressed alarm at reports of Machar’s house arrest. A 12 March 2025 IGAD Heads of State Communiqué urged all parties to “refrain from unilateral actions that violate the spirit and letter of R-ARCSS”. After Machar’s detention, IGAD’s Executive Secretary warned it “seriously undermine[s]” the peace deal and could “lead to a collapse of the transitional process”, calling for dialogue and Machar’s safety. Source: [IGAD statement, 27 March 2025】
Human Rights & NGO Reports
Amnesty International – “A Trail of Broken Promises” (2018 briefing) – Documents arbitrary detentions and unfair trials by South Sudan’s National Security Service. Detainees (often perceived government critics or from rival ethnic groups) are held without charge, tortured, even killed[5][6]. Amnesty noted dozens died in NSS custody 2014–2017, and despite Kiir’s pledges to release political prisoners, the pattern of repression persisted[7][8]. (Shows independent confirmation that Machar’s treatment fits a broader pattern of regime repression.) Source: [Amnesty International briefing, Sep 2018】[5][8]
Human Rights Watch – Justice Delayed in South Sudan – HRW reports that justice remains elusive for atrocities committed during the war. Key transitional justice steps (Hybrid Court, truth commission) stalled due to lack of political will[9]. HRW warns that impunity for past crimes (on all sides) feeds new abuses. It urged renewal of the UN Rights Commission to collect evidence, given ongoing violence and “elusive” justice[9]. Also welcomed recent South Sudan laws on truth and reconciliation, but emphasized that fair trials for major crimes have not happened, undermining accountability. Source: [HRW statement, Feb 2025】[9]
The Sentry / Enough Project – “Crude Dealings” (2020 report) – Investigative report exposing how South Sudan’s elites exploit oil deals and illicit finance to undermine peace. It found a secret oil-backed loan scheme enriched officials and funded military operations in violation of sanctions. Millions in oil revenue were diverted to armed forces and a UN-sanctioned general, “support…to those undermining peace in South Sudan”. The Sentry recommends targeted sanctions against these networks. (Reveals systemic corruption fueling conflict, supporting Machar’s claims that the charges are a smokescreen for the regime’s bad faith.) Source: [The Sentry report (excerpt)】
International Crisis Group – “Prospects for Peace” (analysis) – ICG has tracked the Kiir–Machar power struggle and repeatedly warned that excluding or alienating Machar could trigger a return to war. In mid-2018, ICG noted talks between Kiir and Machar offered “the only, albeit slim, hope” for peace. In 2023–2025, ICG reported that implementation of the peace deal lagged and tensions were rising, with risks of collapse. It urged African mediators to engage both leaders and prevent “full-scale war” (as almost happened in 2016 and now looms again). Source: [ICG commentary】
Media Coverage
BBC News – Machar’s Detention Threatens Peace – BBC reports highlighted that Machar’s house arrest in March 2025 put South Sudan “on the brink” of renewed civil war, per the UN. Coverage of the treason charges noted fears they could reignite conflict, given Machar’s pivotal role. (BBC’s global audience reporting shows the world is watching closely. The charges were met with alarm, framed as endangering the 2018 peace.)
Al Jazeera – “Is South Sudan Heading to Another Civil War?” (Inside Story panel) – This program (28 Mar 2025) covered Machar’s confinement, noting his party declared the 2018 peace deal collapsed as a result. Regional analysts on the show warned that trust between Kiir and Machar had eroded and urged renewed mediation. (Al Jazeera’s in-depth coverage underlines that Machar’s plight is international news. They documented how his detention immediately led to a political crisis, validating the narrative of fabricated charges for political ends.)
Reuters – Straight News & International Reactions – Reuters broke news of Machar’s detention and later charges, providing impartial detail and global context. On 27 March 2025 it reported Machar’s arrest “effectively collapsed” the unity government, with the UN, AU, IGAD, and Kenya urgently calling for restraint[4]. In September 2025 Reuters noted Machar’s treason charges and that “international powers have repeatedly called for Machar’s release, warning his detention could tip [South Sudan] back into civil war.”[2]. (This wire service coverage shows that the world reacted swiftly – viewing the case as politically charged. The universal demand for Machar’s release reported by Reuters bolsters the argument that the charges lack legitimacy.)
Sudan Tribune – Archive of SPLM-IO Statements – Sudan Tribune, a prominent regional outlet, has an archive of SPLM/A-IO press statements and interviews. For instance, it published the SPLM-IO’s denunciations of Machar’s detention by regional authorities in 2017 and calls by SPLM-IO officials in 2025 for Machar’s immediate release. (Such local media archives are a goldmine for primary statements from Machar’s movement – demonstrating his consistent calls for peaceful reform and documenting how the regime’s actions violate various agreements.)
These agreements and laws form the legal backdrop. They enshrine the peace and power-sharing deal under which Machar returned as First VP, and underscore that the current charges violate the spirit of those agreements. The constitution and laws were supposed to guarantee Machar’s role and fair process, making his detention extra-legal.
SPLM-IO Official Documents
These are Machar’s and the SPLM-IO’s own words. The Charter and federalism paper demonstrate the movement’s platform – undermining portrayals of Machar as simply a warlord. His official statements show him repeatedly committing to peace (even when personally at risk) and using political avenues (negotiations, parliament) rather than violence. Hosting these documents allows journalists and observers to see Machar’s intentions directly, providing context that the treason charges are unfounded in light of his documented commitment to the agreed reforms.
SPLM-IO Charter & Manifesto (2014) – Founding documents of Machar’s movement, declaring its objectives: democratization of South Sudan, federal power-sharing, and an end to authoritarian rule. The charter emphasizes equality, justice, and reforms – a response to Kiir’s centralized power. (This counters the accusation that Machar’s agenda is personal; it’s rooted in a political vision.) Download: PDF to be provided (SPLM-IO Charter)
Dr. Riek Machar’s Public Statements (2014–2025) – Archive of Machar’s key speeches and letters. Includes his calls for national reconciliation, acceptance speeches when rejoining the government, and responses to crises. For example, Machar’s 2020 statement on returning to Juba under the peace deal where he urged unity, and his 2023 press releases appealing for peaceful dialogue amid tensions. These show Machar consistently advocating peace and implementation of agreements. Access: Collection of PDF statements to be uploaded.
SPLM-IO Press Releases (Regular Updates) – Official press releases from the SPLM-IO Directorate of Information, often carried by Sudan Tribune and others. These cover events like ceasefire violations, humanitarian concerns, and Machar’s status. Notably, the SPLM-IO press release on 27 March 2025 (via party spokesperson) declared Machar’s detention a violation of R-ARCSS and appealed to IGAD/AU for intervention. Such releases reflect the IO’s stance in real time.
“Federalism for South Sudan” – SPLM-IO Policy Paper – Detailed proposal by Machar’s team outlining a federal system with 21 states. It argues that decentralization is needed to address South Sudan’s ethnic diversity and marginalization issues, as was promised during liberation. This blueprint is important to show Machar’s policy intentions: far from seeking power for power’s sake, he has articulated a model to devolve power and prevent domination by any one group. The regime’s charges ignore this good-faith political program. Download: PDF of SPLM-IO Federalism proposal.
Civil Society & Diaspora
The inclusion of civil society voices proves that Machar’s cause is not just a political elite issue – ordinary South Sudanese and the diaspora are deeply invested. They view him as a symbol of the peace process and his mistreatment as a barometer for the country’s direction. These letters, statements, and petitions show widespread concern that justice be served. They strengthen the narrative that Machar’s prosecution lacks legitimacy in the eyes of the people, many of whom credit him for signing peace and fear that jailing him means a return to conflict.
Open Letters to the UN, AU, and IGAD (2025) – Letters from South Sudanese civil society coalitions and diaspora organizations pleading for international intervention. For example, an open letter by church and civic leaders in April 2025 urged the AU and IGAD to secure Machar’s release and warned that silencing him would wreck the peace deal. Another diaspora group’s letter to the UN Human Rights Council highlighted Machar’s house arrest as unlawful and asked the UN to ramp up scrutiny. (These letters show grassroots support for Machar and fear of a return to war.)
Diaspora Community Statements – Statements by South Sudanese diaspora unions across North America, Europe, and East Africa. Nuer community associations, for instance, issued statements condemning Machar’s detention as “unacceptable after a peace agreement” and called on host countries to put pressure on Juba. Equatorian diaspora groups have also spoken out, despite historically different alignment, because they see the rule of law at stake. These PDF statements illustrate a broad diaspora consensus that Machar’s prosecution is politically driven.
Petitions for Machar’s Release (2025) – Online petitions (e.g. Change.org) started by South Sudanese activists garnered thousands of signatures worldwide, urging the Troika (US, UK, Norway) and EU to intervene. One petition titled “Free Dr. Riek Machar – Save the Peace Agreement” collected over 10,000 signatures within weeks, reflecting popular sentiment that the charges are fabricated. Petitioners often cite Machar’s sacrifices for peace and ask why a peace partner is in jail while known war profiteers walk free.
Multimedia Archive
The multimedia archive serves a dual purpose: illustrating the story and providing evidence. The photos of Machar and Kiir side-by-side peaceably signing accords starkly contrast with Juba’s portrayal of Machar as a criminal – underlining the absurdity of the charges. Video evidence of Machar’s speeches and interviews can quickly dispel myths (viewers can see he talks reconciliation, not rebellion). And timeline graphics place the current events in context, reinforcing that Machar’s “treason” was participating in a peace accord that the regime now undermines.
Photo Galleries: High-quality images of Machar signing peace deals (e.g., the Sept 2018 Revitalized Agreement signing with President Kiir), Machar at the transitional government swearing-in (Feb 2020), and Machar meeting international envoys. These photos lend visual credibility – showing Machar fulfilling his peace commitments, in stark contrast to the accusations of treason. (Journalists can freely use these images with attribution.)
Video Clips: Key footage such as Machar’s address to the UN General Assembly (2015) calling for reconciliation, his swearing-in speech as First VP (2020) emphasizing unity, and news footage like UNMISS’s briefing warning against Machar’s detention. There are also Al Jazeera and BBC interviews with Machar where he articulates his vision for South Sudan. (These videos can be embedded or linked for audiences – a powerful way to hear Machar’s own voice defending himself and the peace.)
Infographics: Timeline infographics of the South Sudan peace process (2013–2025), mapping every agreement, ceasefire, and crisis – culminating in the current trial. Another useful visual is a map of South Sudan with SPLM-IO presence and conflict hotspots, illustrating that Machar’s influence is national and that excluding him has security implications. (Such infographics make complex history accessible, helping diplomats and media quickly grasp why the charges are out of step with the peace roadmap.)
Fact Sheets (for Journalists & Supporters)
These fact sheets are handy reference tools. They ensure that journalists, diplomats, and supporters have the key facts at their fingertips – helping dispel the GoSS’s false narrative. By laying out Machar’s profile, the true chronology, and the content of the charges, readers can quickly understand the injustice at play. For example, seeing Machar welcoming a peace fund release in 2022 versus being accused of war crimes in 2025 raises obvious questions. Equipping allies with these distilled facts and figures arms them to counter misinformation and advocate effectively for Machar’s release.
“Who is Dr. Riek Machar?” (2-page Bio) – A concise biography highlighting Machar’s journey: founding member of the SPLM, former Vice President turned opposition leader, signatory to multiple peace agreements, and now a persecuted peacemaker. This fact sheet debunks common misinformation (e.g., clarifying that the December 2013 conflict was not a Machar “coup”) and humanizes Machar by noting his education (PhD in engineering), his calls for forgiveness (as in 2015 peace prayer), and his vision for federalism.
“Timeline of the Peace Process (2013–2025)” – Year-by-year timeline listing major events: Dec 2013 war outbreak; Aug 2015 ARCSS signed (Machar returns); July 2016 fighting (Machar flees); Sept 2018 R-ARCSS signed (Machar returns again); Feb 2020 unity government formed; and Mar 2025 Machar detained. This makes it clear that Machar consistently came back for peace despite personal risk. The timeline can highlight how often Machar has been betrayed or sidelined, reinforcing that the current charges are the latest in a pattern of bad faith by Juba.
“The Fabricated Charges Explained” – A point-by-point refutation of the government’s allegations (treason, murder, etc.). It will include: (1) Machar’s alibi & lack of command over the alleged militia (e.g., noting he was in Juba and had no communications with the White Army in Nasir – corroborated by UN reports); (2) The political context – the Nasir clashes occurred amid disputes in the unity government, and Machar’s associates were being targeted (indicating a pretext to purge him); (3) Violations of legal procedure – Machar was detained without due process or a chance to respond, violating the constitution and international calls for fair trial[2][10]. In sum, the fact sheet will show the charges are unsubstantiated and politically motivated.
“SPLM-IO’s Vision for Federalism and Reform” – Summarizes the policies Machar and IO have advocated: federal restructuring into 21 states (to devolve power), anti-corruption measures (they supported the hybrid court and financial transparency), and inclusion of opposition figures in governance (to avoid marginalization of any group). It contrasts this positive reform agenda with the government’s status quo. The fact sheet can quote Machar’s own words from the agreements – for instance, his call for “a democratic and federal South Sudan where no one is above the law.” This underlines that Machar’s goals align with peace and good governance, making the notion that he’d sabotage peace (the basis of the charges) illogical.
These independent reports validate Machar’s stance. Amnesty and HRW confirm Juba’s habit of jailing opponents without due process, lending credence to Machar’s claim that the charges are politically motivated. The Sentry’s corruption exposés suggest the regime’s focus on Machar is a diversion from its own violations (looting state resources, undermining reforms). And Crisis Group’s analyses underscore that lasting peace requires Machar’s inclusion, not imprisonment. All show that credible voices view Machar’s persecution as part of a broader problem – not a legitimate legal process.
Global and regional media coverage strengthens Machar’s case by shining a spotlight. The BBC and Al Jazeera broadcasts show that Machar’s unjust detention is not happening in the dark – it’s subject to worldwide scrutiny and criticism. Reuters, being an objective wire, confirms factual details (dates, charges) while also conveying the extraordinary nature of a peace partner being charged with treason, alongside the chorus of international objections. Meanwhile, regional outlets like Sudan Tribune preserve Machar’s and SPLM-IO’s own words – useful for referencing his true positions versus the regime’s narrative.
International actors have noted Machar’s pivotal role and demanded his protection. The UN urged restraint to avoid “relapsing into widespread conflict”. The AU and IGAD (regional guarantors) insist Kiir’s government uphold the peace agreement by releasing Machar[4]. Neighbors like Kenya and Uganda echoed calls for calm, and the US State Dept pressed Juba to “demonstrate…commitments to peace” by freeing Machar. This broad consensus underscores that Machar’s detention violates South Sudan’s obligations to its own peace deal.