A commander of the SSPDF and a UN crew member were killed during an evacuation in Nasir County, South Sudan, amid ongoing tensions between the SSPDF and local armed groups. The conflict arose after the White Army seized control of the area, leading to accusations against the SPLM-IO. UNMISS condemned the attack, urging parties to avoid further violence and promote dialogue as the country approaches its first post-independence elections.
In Nasir County, Upper Nile State, a commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and a United Nations crew member were killed during a UN helicopter evacuation on Friday morning. The helicopter was deployed to rescue SSPDF soldiers, including their leader, Gen. Majur Dak, after clashes erupted between the SSPDF and a local armed group called the White Army. This evacuation aimed to ease tensions following recent violent confrontations in the area.
Earlier in the week, the White Army—a loosely structured group predominantly comprised of Nuer youth—overran Nasir and seized its military barracks. The SSPDF has accused the SPLM-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition) of inciting these conflicts, which has led to heightened tensions. In response to these allegations, several senior SPLM-IO officials were detained in Juba, complicating de-escalation efforts.
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a commander from the White Army, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that the evacuation attempt failed, resulting in Gen. Majur’s death during the operation, although further details were not disclosed. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, also verified the fatalities, stating that the evacuation had been arranged with local leaders suggesting soldier exit from armored vehicles upon helicopter arrival.
Baluang explained that chaos erupted when Gen. Majur exited a military tank, leading to SSPDF soldiers rushing toward the helicopter and firing weapons, fearing abandonment. In retaliation, the White Army opened fire, resulting in deadly crossfire. He also noted ongoing evacuation efforts for wounded and deceased soldiers to Malakal, with some SPLM-IO officials also sustaining injuries during the incident.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed its helicopter was targeted during the evacuation, leading to the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. The mission stated that several members of the SSPDF, including an injured general, perished during the operation. UNMISS reiterated the evacuation was conducted at the request of all involved parties, highlighting the broader goal of preventing further violence in Nasir.
The UN condemned the attack, categorizing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, expressed profound sadness over the casualties and called for accountability through investigation. He urged all parties to avoid further violence and stressed the need for South Sudan’s leaders to resolve tensions via dialogue.
This incident reflects the precarious security landscape in South Sudan, especially with the country approaching its first post-independence elections set for December 2026. Despite a 2018 peace agreement concluding a five-year civil war, existing political tensions persist, and the integration of armed factions into a cohesive national army has proven challenging.
The recent incident in Nasir highlights the ongoing instability in South Sudan amid political tensions and armed confrontations. The deaths of an SSPDF commander and a UN crew member during a helicopter evacuation stress the urgent need for dialogue among leaders to prevent further violence. This event serves as a reminder of the challenges facing the country as it approaches its upcoming elections, with integration of armed groups still a contentious issue.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
