SSPDF Commander and UN Crew Member Killed in Nasir County Incident

In Nasir County, South Sudan, a commander from the SSPDF and a UN crew member were killed during a failed helicopter evacuation amid escalating clashes with the White Army. The SSPDF blamed the SPLM-IO for inciting violence, leading to heightened tensions. The UN condemned the attack, which highlighted the fragile security situation in the country ahead of forthcoming elections.

A commander from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and a member of the United Nations crew were tragically killed in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, when a UN helicopter was targeted during an evacuation mission. This operation aimed to evacuate SSPDF soldiers, including General Majur Dak, who had found themselves trapped in Nasir amid ongoing clashes with a local militia called the White Army.

The White Army, primarily composed of Nuer youth, had recently seized control of Nasir’s military barracks, prompting urgent military responses. The SSPDF has attributed responsibility for the unrest to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), which has resulted in heightened tensions between these entities. Following these accusations, several prominent SPLM-IO officials were detained in Juba, hindering peace-making endeavors.

Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a commander from the White Army, confirmed the failed evacuation attempt, stating that General Majur was fatally shot during the operation. Puok Both Baluang, spokesperson for First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, corroborated the fatalities and indicated that the SSPDF had been instructed to exit their armored vehicles as the helicopter arrived. This led to chaos as soldiers rushed toward the helicopter, triggering gunfire from the White Army.

Baluang reported that the evacuation of both the deceased and injured SSPDF members was ongoing, with additional injuries incurred among SPLM-IO affiliates who were collaborating with local authorities during the incident. Moreover, numerous SPLA soldiers lost their lives amid the violent exchange.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) also verified the incident, stating that its helicopter had been fired upon, resulting in the loss of one crew member’s life and severe injuries to two additional personnel. The mission reiterated that the evacuation was arranged at the request of all parties involved, emphasizing its role in averting violence and easing political tensions in the region.

In light of these events, UNMISS condemned the assault on its personnel, branding it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime. Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, expressed profound sorrow over the casualties, calling for accountability and urging all parties to cease hostilities in favor of dialogue to resolve ongoing conflicts.

The incident highlights South Sudan’s precarious security landscape as preparation for the first post-independence elections takes shape for December 2026. Political instability persists despite a 2018 peace agreement that effectively concluded a five-year civil war, with the challenge of integrating various armed groups into a cohesive national military still unresolved.

The tragic event in Nasir County involved the deaths of a senior SSPDF commander and a UN crew member amidst a failed evacuation, illustrating the volatile security conditions in South Sudan. Furthermore, this incident exacerbates the already strained relations between the SSPDF and SPLM-IO amidst ongoing political unrest. It underscores the urgent need for resolution through dialogue as the nation approaches its critical elections in December 2026.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org