A South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander and a UN crew member were killed during a UN helicopter evacuation attempt in Nasir County. The operation, intended to defuse tensions amidst ongoing conflict with the White Army, ended in violence, with accusations against the SPLM-IO complicating the situation. The UN mission condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability and a halt to further violence as South Sudan prepares for future elections.
On Friday morning, a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander and a United Nations crew member were tragically killed in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, during a UN helicopter evacuation mission. The helicopter was dispatched to rescue SSPDF soldiers, including their commander, Gen. Majur Dak, who were stranded amid ongoing clashes between the SSPDF and a local militia known as the White Army. This evacuation aimed to alleviate the heightened tensions following recent violent confrontations in the region.
Earlier in the week, the White Army, predominantly composed of Nuer youth, had overrun Nasir, taking control of military installations within the town. The SSPDF accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) of instigating the conflict, straining relations between the two factions and resulting in the arrest of several SPLM-IO officials in Juba, thereby complicating ongoing de-escalation efforts.
In a confirmation from Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a White Army commander, the evacuation attempt was deemed unsuccessful, leading to Gen. Majur’s death during the operation. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, corroborated the deaths of both the SSPDF commander and the UN crew member. He indicated that local leaders had coordinated the evacuation, instructing SSPDF soldiers to vacate their armored vehicles upon arrival of the helicopter.
Baluang detailed that when Gen. Majur stepped from a military tank, a rush from SSPDF soldiers towards the helicopter led to an exchange of gunfire with the White Army, resulting in fatalities. He also noted that the process of evacuating the wounded and deceased soldiers from Nasir to Malakal was ongoing, and that injuries were reported among SPLM-IO officials collaborating with local authorities during the incident.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a statement confirming that their helicopter came under fire, resulting in one crew member’s death and serious injuries to two others. UNMISS acknowledged that several SSPDF personnel, including an injured general, suffered fatalities during the evacuation attempt and asserted that the mission was conducted at the explicit request of all parties involved, aimed at curbing violence and de-escalating political tensions.
UNMISS condemned the attack, labeling it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime. Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed profound sorrow regarding the loss of life and advocated for an investigation to bring those responsible to account. He urged all factions to cease hostilities and called for South Sudan’s leadership to engage urgently in dialogue to resolve the escalating tensions.
This occurrence highlights the precarious security situation in South Sudan, particularly as the nation approaches its initial post-independence elections scheduled for December 2026. Despite the peace agreement in 2018 that concluded a five-year civil war, significant political tensions persist, and the integration of various armed groups into a cohesive national defense force remains challenging.
In summary, the tragic incident involving the deaths of an SSPDF commander and a UN crew member during a helicopter evacuation underscores the ongoing instability in South Sudan. The clash highlights the complex interplay of local militias and political factions, further complicating efforts to restore peace and foster cooperation. As the nation prepares for its upcoming elections, the urgent need for dialogue and resolution of conflicts becomes even more critical.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
