• Riek Machar, South Sudan's VP, has been charged with treason and murder.
• The charges stem from a March military attack involving militia groups.
• Political tensions are escalating as Machar's suspension raises fears of civil war.
• International calls for a fair trial and Machar's safety are growing.
• The 2018 peace deal's stability is in jeopardy amid these developments.

Riek Machar, South Sudan's First Vice-President, has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity in connection with a militia-led attack on federal forces in March. Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech announced that these charges relate to an incident where the White Army militia allegedly followed Machar's orders, resulting in over 250 soldiers' deaths during an assault on a military base in Nasir, Upper Nile state, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

Following the announcement of the charges, President Salva Kiir suspended Machar from his position, severing the delicate unity government established in 2018. This event raises significant concerns over the stability of South Sudan, as it comes amidst ongoing ethnic tensions and violence between government forces and militias purportedly loyal to Machar. The civil war from 2013 to 2018 had already resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths, and renewed hostilities could exacerbate this crisis, according to Reuters and Africanews.

Human Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have voiced concerns regarding Machar’s safety and the lack of transparency in the judicial process. They insist that his trial should be public, emphasizing the legal rights of the accused to a fair hearing. Furthermore, Machar's political supporters have called the charges part of a broader political witch hunt designed to sideline him and his faction within the political landscape of South Sudan, as stated by advocacy leaders and backed by reports from Africanews and Al Jazeera.

The political rivalry between Machar and Kiir, stemming from their differing ethnic backgrounds—Kiir is Dinka and Machar is Nuer—has further polarized the nation. Observers warn that the unfolding situation could lead to increased violence along ethnic lines, undermining the fragile peace established post-civil war. Analysts highlight that the ongoing postponements of elections mandated by the 2018 peace deal have only heightened tensions between the two leaders, as indicated by reports from Africanews and Reuters.