A South Sudanese military investigator on Monday implicated White Army militia commander Kang Makana in the March killing of the army commander in Nasir, according to testimony before the Special Court in Juba.
The court is trying suspended First Vice President Riek Machar and seven co-accused on charges linked to the Nasir violence. Machar, 73, has denied the accusations, which include murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.
The charges relate to a March 2025 assault on the Nasir garrison, allegedly carried out by the White Army in coordination with Machar’s SPLA-IO forces. Prosecutors say the attack left more than 250 soldiers dead, including Gen. David Majur Dak, as well as a UN helicopter crew member.
Maj. Peter Malual Deng, an SSPDF officer serving on a joint military investigation team, told the court during its 24th session that Gen. Majur was killed in an attack led by Makana, whom he described as both the White Army’s leader and a member of the SPLA-IO.
He testified that Majur and 27 of his bodyguards were killed on March 7 while attempting to evacuate under a UNMISS operation.
“Our findings showed that Kang Makana killed the late David Majur Dak,” Malual said, adding that Makana had taken command of the militia after the death of Col. Tor Gile Thoan in an earlier assault.
Prosecutors presented videos and photographs during the session. One clip allegedly shows Makana in a vehicle declaring he was heading to launch an offensive on Majur’s forces. Another depicts the body of an SSPDF soldier being dragged and thrown into a river by suspected White Army fighters. Additional footage showed a UNMISS helicopter evacuating 550 SSPDF troops under heavy fire. Images of a damaged UN aircraft and Gen. Majur’s body were also shown.
Evacuation Assurances
Malual testified that prior to the failed evacuation, a high-level meeting in Juba brought together U.N. representatives, diplomats, and South Sudanese officials—including Machar—to calm tensions in Nasir. According to Malual, Machar assured the U.N. that his forces would not interfere with the evacuation and guaranteed the safety of its personnel.
However, Malual said these assurances were ignored on the ground. UNMISS nearly aborted the mission due to gunfire, and forces reportedly refused to pull back the required 300–500 meters, resulting in the deadly disruption.
Battlefield Evidence
The nearly five-hour session also featured translated videos allegedly filmed by combatants. In one, the late Col. Tor Gile Thoan is heard mobilizing fighters for an attack on Nasir and accusing President Salva Kiir’s government of violating the 2018 peace agreement. Prosecutors argued the videos demonstrated political motivation and pre-planning.
Other footage included messages of support for an accused officer and documented preparations for the assault. Malual further claimed that six senior SPLA-IO officers visited the captured Nasir garrison on March 4.
During cross-examination, the defense began contesting the prosecution’s evidence.
Judge Dr. James Alala Deng adjourned the hearing to Wednesday, Nov. 26, when Malual is expected to complete his testimony and face additional questions.
The defendants are Riek Machar, Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.