South Sudan charged eight senior government officials including First Vice President Riek Machar with terrorism, treason and crimes against humanity, the justice ministry said. “This case sends a clear message: those who commit atrocities against the people of South Sudan, against our armed forces and against humanitarian personnel will be held accountable, no matter their position or political influence,” Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Joseph Geng Akech told reporters in the capital, Juba, on Thursday. Machar has been in detention in the past six months as authorities investigated allegations that he was plotting rebellion. The eight men, who include Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Gabriel Duop Lam, a former deputy army chief, also face charges of murder, conspiracy and destruction of public property.

Full story : South Sudan VP Machar charged with treason and murder over militia attacks.