Political tensions escalate as Machar faces serious criminal charges

South Sudan’s main opposition movement urged supporters to “report for national service” and use “all means available” to defend their country after longtime leader Riek Machar was indicted on murder, terrorism, and crimes against humanity charges. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition issued the statement days after Machar was suspended from his role as First Vice President, though a military spokesman said ground forces had not received orders to go on the offensive. Political analysts remain uncertain whether the call will translate into actual violence, as tensions rise over what opposition leaders call a “political witch hunt” designed to dismantle the 2018 peace agreement. The indictment has sparked fears of renewed conflict in a country already scarred by ethnic violence between President Salva Kiir’s Dinka supporters and Machar’s Nuer base.

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https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-riek-machar-treason-5a08daeb5c84528172b4d54e5411601d