A military expert has told the special court trying suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar that the opposition leader bears command responsibility for the March 2025 attack on an SSPDF garrison in Nasir, even in the absence of direct orders from him.

The testimony was given on Thursday, April 9, 2026, by a prosecution witness identified as an expert in military command structures during the ongoing treason trial.

The expert argued that as the overall commander of the SPLA-IO forces, Machar had a duty to prevent or punish crimes committed by his subordinates.

He stated that the scale of the attack — which resulted in the deaths of 257 government soldiers — indicated a failure of command on Machar’s part.

“Even without explicit orders, a commander is responsible for the actions of forces under his control,” the witness said.

Prosecutors allege that Machar and his co-accused coordinated, financed, and directed the assault on the SSPDF garrison in Nasir, Upper Nile State.

The attack also involved the destruction and seizure of military equipment worth millions of dollars.

Machar and eight co-accused face multiple charges, including treason, murder, terrorism, and crimes against humanity.

The defense has consistently challenged the prosecution’s evidence, particularly digital communications and forensic reports linking the accused to the incident.

The trial, which has faced repeated delays due to procedural disputes, continues under tight security at the special court in Juba.

Machar has been under house arrest since March 2025.

No immediate reaction from the defense team was reported following Thursday’s testimony.