Machar ally denies White Army mobilization intel sharing in Nasir attack

Mon 2026-06-29

SPLM-IO officials left Juba over fear of arrest, intimidation, claims Machar’s co-accused — Gatwech Lam Puoch, the third accused in the Machar trial. [Photo: Courtesy]

JUBA — A key ally of First Vice President Riek Machar on Monday denied allegations that he helped mobilize the White Army or shared intelligence linked to the violence in Nasir, dismissing the prosecution’s digital evidence as unreliable and potentially manipulated.

Appearing before the court during the 93rd session of the ongoing trial in Juba, Gatwech Lam Puoch rejected accusations that he coordinated armed youth activities or transmitted intelligence information related to the White Army, a loosely organized community-based armed group operating in parts of Upper Nile and Jonglei states.

The allegations stem from digital evidence presented earlier by South African forensic expert Ratlhogo Peter Calvin, who testified that data extracted from electronic devices linked Lam to the acquisition of weapons, the sharing of operational intelligence, discussions of militia strategies, and the transmission of documents to international actors.

In his defense statement, Lam said the prosecution had failed to substantiate its claims and had not presented credible evidence to demonstrate his involvement in any armed mobilization.

“The prosecution investigator further alleged that I disseminated intelligence information and supported the mobilization of armed youth that he allegedly called the White Army,” Lam told the court.

He argued that investigators did not specify the nature of the intelligence allegedly shared, how it was transmitted, or the form of support he was accused of providing.

“He failed to explain what intelligence information was allegedly shared, how it was shared, or in what manner I allegedly supported the armed youth, whether financially, materially, logically, or otherwise,” he said.
Lam also challenged an audio recording introduced by the prosecution, arguing that the identities of the speakers had not been established and that there was no evidence linking him to the conversation.

He further disputed WhatsApp messages and photographs of two helicopter gunships that the forensic expert attributed to him.

“The expert witness also attributed numerous WhatsApp messages and photographs of two helicopter gunships to me, claiming that they were shared by me,” Lam said, referring to sections of his individual forensic report.

According to Lam, the mobile phones presented as evidence had remained in the exclusive custody of the National Security Service (NSS) and prosecutors from the time of his arrest on 13 March 2025 until they were produced before the court.

“Therefore, the possibility that such materials were inserted into my device while it was under their control can’t be excluded,” he said, alleging that digital content may have been added to his phone during the period it was held by security authorities.

The court adjourned proceedings until July 3, when Lam is expected to continue presenting his defence.

The high-profile trial, which has attracted significant national attention, is being presided over by Judge James Alala Deng, assisted by Justices Stephen Simon and Isaac Pur Majok.

Lam is among several individuals facing charges alongside First Vice President Riek Machar. Other co-accused include Puot Kang Chuol, Mam Pal Dhuor, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, Camilo Gatmai Kel, Mading Yak Riek, and Dominic Gatgok Riek.

The prosecution team comprises 13 lawyers drawn from the Ministry of Justice and other legal institutions, while investigations are being led by Major General Basile Thomas Wani, assisted by Brigadier General John Dak. Captain Richard Gachi Apollo of the Internal Security Service is listed as the complainant.

sudanspost.com