The South Sudanese government has urged the South Sudan Council of Churches to respect judicial independence amid the ongoing trial of suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, warning that calls for his release before proceedings conclude would undermine justice and the rule of law.

In a statement addressing the church’s apparent appeals for Machar’s release in connection with the Nasir incident, the government emphasized that criminal accountability must remain free from interference, regardless of an individual’s political status or position.

The statement reads in part: “Criminal accountability is a judicial process that must proceed independently and without interference, regardless of an individual’s political status or position.”

It added: “Releasing Dr. Riek Machar before the court proceedings conclude sets precedents where judicial process and rule of law are often undermined and therefore weaken the very principle of justice.”

The government further described security, judicial, and political matters as “inherently state functions,” while acknowledging the moral voice of faith-based institutions: “While we value the moral voice of faith-based institutions, it is essential that this role remains constructive and does not inadvertently blur into partisan political positioning.”

Rejecting arguments that the SPLM/A-IO’s viability depends solely on Machar’s leadership, the statement noted: “Equating the SPLM/A IO viability to Dr. Riek Machar’s leadership presupposes that the SPLM/A IO is not a movement with structures and cadres, but an individualized entity that cannot function without its leaders — preposition that is farther from the truth.”

It condemned violence against civilians, affirming: “Anyone found responsible for such crimes will be held accountable in accordance with the law.”

The government called on all armed actors to cease hostilities and prioritize dialogue, reaffirming commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement as the path to lasting peace and stability.

The remarks come as Machar’s high-profile trial—on charges including murder, treason, terrorism, and crimes against humanity related to the March 2025 Nasir garrison attack—continues at Freedom Hall in Juba, with recent sessions marked by disputes over digital evidence and adjournments.

The government’s position underscores tensions between calls for political dialogue or humanitarian considerations from faith leaders and the insistence on letting the judiciary handle accountability independently.