The high-profile trial of South Sudan’s suspended First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar, has been postponed to Wednesday, 10 December after one of the three judges fell ill.

Friday’s session at Freedom Hall in Juba was abruptly halted when Judge Stephen Simon became sick, leaving the judicial panel incomplete.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng announced the delay, saying: “One of the panel members is ill and undergoing treatment. For that reason, we are adjourning the hearing to Wednesday, 10 December.”

The court had been expected to proceed with the cross-examination of Major Peter Malual Deng, the prosecution’s lead witness and a military investigator. Friday’s sitting would have marked the 28th hearing in the ongoing case.

Dr. Machar, 72, alongside seven co-accused, is facing charges that include murder, treason, and crimes against humanity. The accusations stem from a March 2025 attack on a military base in Nasir County.

Prosecutors claim that a militia allegedly affiliated with Dr. Machar carried out the assault, which left Maj Gen David Majur Dak, roughly 250 soldiers, and a UNMISS helicopter crew member dead.

The other defendants—Puot Kang Chol (40), Mam Pal Dhuor (37), Gatwech Lam Puoch (66), Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam (53), Camilo Gatmai Kel (47), Mading Yak Riek (45), and Dominic Gatgok Riek (27)—also face charges ranging from terrorism and mass murder to treason and property destruction.

All eight individuals have adamantly rejected the allegations.

The case continues to draw significant attention both inside South Sudan and abroad due to Dr. Machar’s longstanding political influence and the fragile nature of the 2018 peace deal.