The vice president who was charged with treason is Riek Machar, the First Vice President of South Sudan. He has been charged with treason, murder, and crimes against humanity related to an alleged involvement in attacks by an ethnic militia called the White Army against government forces in March 2025. Following these charges, he was suspended from his position and placed under house arrest. The charges stem from a militia assault that resulted in the deaths of over 250 soldiers. His trial began in September 2025 amid concerns about destabilizing the fragile peace in South Sudan, which has endured a civil war and political rivalry between Machar and President Salva Kiir.
Historically, Aaron Burr, a former U.S. vice president, was also charged with treason in 1807 due to alleged conspiracy and armed action, but he was acquitted. However, the current vice president charged with treason as of 2025 is Riek Machar of South Sudan.
