Juba, South Sudan – South Sudan's Vice President Riek Machar has been charged with murder, treason, and crimes against humanity following an attack on a military base that resulted in the deaths of over 250 soldiers.

The charges stem from an incident in March involving a militia group known as the White Army, which the government claims was acting under Machar's orders.

Machar has been under house arrest for several months due to a power struggle with his long-standing rival, President Salva Kiir.

According to Justice Minister Joseph Geng Akech, the crimes in question involved grave violations of the Geneva Conventions and international humanitarian law, including the desecration of corpses, persecution of civilians, and attacks on humanitarian workers.

The attack on the military base in Nasir, located in northeastern South Sudan, occurred between March 3 and 7.

The White Army, composed of armed youths from Machar's Nuer ethnic community, was responsible for the assault.

While the government had previously acknowledged that several senior officers, including a general, were among the casualties, it was not until recently revealed that over 250 soldiers lost their lives in the incident.

During the attack, a United Nations helicopter came under fire while attempting to rescue soldiers at the base, resulting in the death of its pilot.

The details surrounding Machar's alleged involvement and his current status remain under investigation.