29/01/2014
South Sudan coup plot charges baseless, says Machar
South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar has told the BBC that treason charges laid against him and some of his allies are quot;baselessquot;. Mr Machar, who is on the run, said he hoped mediators in the crisis would ensure the release of four of his imprisoned allies. Analysts say the issue threatens a ceasefire signed last week. Officials announced earlier that seven politicians were being charged over an alleged coup attempt in December. It was initially a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Mr Machar on 15 December. Since then, violence has spread into a full-scale conflict, with reports of ethnic killing. Continue reading the main story Analysis James...
