Major Peter Malual Deng, the Legal Advisor for the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), presented the evidence as part of the prosecution’s case into the Nasir Incident.
His submissions included the SSPDF investigation committee report, a letter from the Chief of Defence Forces, multiple communications involving military movements, and several video recordings linked to the events in Nasir County.
Among the documents tabled was a letter from SSPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Paul Nang Majok detailing the movement of SSPDF forces to Wech-Yar-Adiu—an action that contradicted an earlier Joint Defence Board resolution to deploy unified forces to the area.
Deng also submitted a Presidential decree issued on April 3, 2024, which authorised the integration of only 12 senior officers from General Johnson Olony’s Agwelek Militia into the SSPDF.
In addition, the witness presented a letter signed by Machar on March 1, 2025, authorising a team to receive and guide an SSPDF convoy to Wech-Yar-Adiu. An SPLM/A (IO) press statement dated April 25, 2025, titled “The Withdrawal of Armed Youth from Nasir and Ulang in Upper Nile State” was also submitted.
Several video exhibits were introduced during the session. One video was presented as a press conference by Hon. Gatwech Lam Puoch, whom the prosecution accuses of incitement. Another clip, introduced as footage of the White Army under the late Tor Gile Thoan before and after the attack on the SSPDF garrison, was shown instead to feature Nuer spiritual leader Makuach Tut in Ayod County, Jonglei State.
A separate video of the late Tor Gile, recorded after his appointment in March 2025, was admitted into evidence. The prosecution also presented a video of Generals James Koang Chuol and Johnson Olony addressing their forces in Malakal in March 2025, followed by another clip showing the two generals speaking to the media in Bilpham about the Nasir incident.
Presiding Judge Dr James Alala Deng adjourned the proceedings to Monday, November 24, when Major Deng is expected to conclude his evidence before undergoing cross-examination. The court also approved the prosecution’s nominated interpreter after no objection from the defence.
