Proceedings in the high-profile trial of suspended First Vice President Riek Machar Teny and seven co-accused were temporarily adjourned on Monday after a generator failure caused a power outage at the courthouse.

Court officials reported that the generator developed a technical fault, cutting electricity supply to the courtroom and disrupting microphones, lighting, and recording equipment.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng suspended the session and adjourned proceedings to Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The court was set to continue hearing testimony from the first accused, Puot Kang Chol, 41, who faces multiple charges including murder, conspiracy, terrorism, treason, and crimes against humanity.

The co-accused include Riek Machar Teny, Mam Pal Dhuor, Gatwech Lam Puoch, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.

Machar is currently under house arrest, while the other defendants remain in detention under the National Security Service.

Prosecutors allege that forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), supported by the White Army militia, carried out an attack on a government garrison in Nasir in March 2025.

The attack reportedly resulted in the killing of 257 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers, including commander David Majur Dak, and the destruction or seizure of military equipment worth approximately $58 million.

The case is being closely watched as it involves key figures from the country’s fragile transitional government and could have significant implications for the 2018 Revitalised Peace Agreement.

Further hearings are expected to resume on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, subject to the resolution of technical issues at the courthouse.