The accusations are related to his alleged involvement in an ethnic militia attack on federal forces in March.
President Salva Kiir dismissed Machar from his position in an order that was aired on state radio hours after the news, and as seen on Reuters, no further information was provided.
In the northern town of Nasir, Machar, who has been under house arrest since March, was charged with organizing a revolt and working with militia troops.
International observers are concerned that his case will exacerbate tensions and possibly spark a new crisis in the nation, which is why formal charges have been delayed, prolonging his arrest.
“Evidence further reveals that the White Army operated under the command and influence of certain leaders of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in Opposition, including Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” Justice Minister Joseph Geng told reporters.
“While the government of the Republic of South Sudan appreciates the engagement of international partners, public, and media on the Nasir incident, this matter is now sub judice,” he added.
Complications within the presidency in South Sudan
The accusations are the most recent development in a long-running power struggle between Kiir and Machar, the heads of different political factions whose animosities stoked the bloody civil conflict in South Sudan from 2013 to 2018.
Millions of people were displaced, and an estimated 400,000 people died in the battle before a peace deal was reached.
As part of the deal, Kiir and Machar established a unified government.
However, their cooperation has been riddled with distrust, and periodic violence between their followers has continued.
The move to formally prosecute Machar is projected to exacerbate the fragile division in the young country and undermine the administration even further.
Justice Minister Madol revealed that Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, as well as former deputy army leader Gabriel Duop Lam, are among the accused facing allegations of murder, conspiracy, and damage to public property. President Kiir then suspended Kang Chol from his cabinet position.
In total, 21 persons have been indicted in the case. Eight are now in detention, while 13 are still at large.
International powers and regional mediators have repeatedly urged for Machar’s release, claiming that his arrest breaches the spirit of the 2018 peace agreement and risks plunging South Sudan back into civil conflict.
South Sudan, which gained its independence in 2011, has faced political turmoil, economic collapse, and repeated cycles of conflict.
While its peace agreement put somewhat of a dent in years of fighting, trust between former adversaries remains elusive.
