Yiep Joseph and Alan Clement
The Government of South Sudan has rejected church appeals for the release of opposition leader Dr. Riek Machar, stressing that only the courts have authority over his case.
In a statement issued from the Office of the President on March 17, the government responded to concerns raised by the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC) about the deteriorating political, security, and humanitarian situation.
The government statement followed the recent call by Council of Church on the president and government to cease ongoing operation in Northern Jonglei.
The SSCC in their recent statement urged the government to prioritize reconciliation and accountability while calling for Machar’s release as part of broader peace efforts.
In respond to leaders from South Sudan Council of Churches who called for release of Dr. Riek Machar and other political detainees, the office of President Salva Kiir Mayardit issued a statement yesterday as position of the government.
In a statement the government said that any interference to the ongoing case involving Dr. Riek Machar and other seven co-accused undermine rule of law.
“While the Church calls for accountability and justice, it simultaneously advocates for the release of individuals currently undergoing legal proceedings on matters related to the same issue being raised. Criminal accountability is a judicial process that must proceed independently and without interference, regardless of an individual’s political status or position” the statement partly read.
“Releasing Dr. Riek Machar before the court proceedings conclude set a precedent where judicial process and rule of law are often undermined and therefore weaken the very principle of justice” it read.
While acknowledging the church’s moral voice, the government drew a firm line between reconciliation efforts and judicial independence.
“Criminal accountability is a judicial process that must proceed independently and without interference, regardless of an individual’s political status or position,” the statement read.
The Government statement pointed to the expanded political meeting held on December 10, 2025, where leaders of all parties agreed to structured dialogue on elections and post-election implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS).
The government argued that this framework already provides space for reconciliation, but insisted that Machar’s case must be resolved in court.
While recognizing the moral authority of faith-based institutions, the government cautioned against blurring religious advocacy with partisan politics.
“Matters relating to security operations, judicial processes, and political negotiations are inherently state functions,” the statement declared.
“While the Government values the moral voice of faith-based institutions, it is essential that this role remains constructive and does not inadvertently blur into partisan political positioning,” the government statement read.
The government also rejected the notion that the SPLM/A IO’s viability depends solely on Machar’s leadership, describing the movement as a structured organization with cadres beyond a single figurehead.
The government’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition (SPLM/A IO) splinter factions and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
Between December 2025 and January 2026, armed groups loyal to SPLM/A IO leaders launched attacks in Jonglei, Equatoria prompting government operations to restore stability.
The Government emphasized that these operations were defensive, not offensive, and condemned violence against civilians.