Summary
South Sudan's First Vice-President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. These charges are related to a militia attack in March that is allegedly linked to him, and there are concerns this could lead to renewed conflict in the country.
Key Facts
- Riek Machar, the First Vice-President of South Sudan, faces charges of murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
- The charges are connected to a March attack by a militia reportedly linked to him.
- Since March, Machar has been under house arrest.
- Military forces, including tanks, have blocked roads to his home in the capital, Juba.
- Riek Machar's forces previously fought a five-year civil war against those supporting President Salva Kiir, ending with a 2018 peace agreement.
- The peace deal ended a conflict that resulted in nearly 400,000 deaths.
- International groups like the UN and African Union are urging calm as tensions rise.
