SPLA-IO blasts Justice Minister Akech over remarks on Machar’s trial

JUBA – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has described as ignorant and incompetent a statement from the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Joseph Geng Akech, warning that public discussion of the ongoing judicial proceedings against suspended First Vice President Dr Riek Machar Teny could amount to contempt of court.

Mr Akech made the remarks during the fourth extraordinary meeting of the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) held in Juba on Tuesday, 7th October 2025.

Akech, who announced the treason and murder charges against Machar and the seven co-accused earlier this year, cautioned stakeholders against commenting on the high-profile trial involving the SPLM-IO officials accused of supporting the White Army in March.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, SPLA-IO Spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel dismissed Akech’s comments as a “clear show of absolute ignorance and incompetence,” accusing Akech of politicising the judiciary and undermining the principles of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

“The Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs was assigned to the SPLM-IG just like the other ministries in accordance with the responsibility-sharing arrangement under the R-ARCSS, which is being monitored by R-JMEC,” Lam stated. “Even a primary pupil knows this very well.”

He further claimed that Akech’s appointment was politically motivated, saying the ongoing trial of Machar and his co-accused was “politically and tribally driven.”

“You were decreed into that ministry because you are a member of the SPLM-IG, among other hidden motives, but not due to your qualifications. That is why you are today implementing a politically and tribally motivated trial,” Lam said.

The opposition spokesperson also warned the minister against “attacking” R-JMEC, saying the regional body has the mandate to oversee the implementation of the peace agreement, including activities of government ministries.

“Do this country a favour by focusing this grave ignorance of R-ARCSS internally because attacking R-JMEC, which has the mandate to monitor your activities, is completely embarrassing,” Lam added.

The remarks reflect growing tensions between the SPLA-IO and the SPLM-In Government (SPLM-IG) over the handling of Machar’s case, which opposition officials have repeatedly described as politically motivated.

The court proceedings, now in its 8^th session, resume today, 08/10/2025, amid restricted media coverage and public access.