JUBA, 7 March 2025 – A United Nations helicopter on a humanitarian evacuation mission in Nasir, Upper Nile State, came under heavy fire today, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. The attack also claimed the lives of several South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel, including an injured General who was being extracted.
The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was attempting to de-escalate tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth, as well as broader political instability. This violent escalation has already led to significant casualties and mass displacement of civilians.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit called for calm in the wake of the attack, which he described as a “serious security breach” exacerbating the country’s tensions. He confirmed that the military base in Nasir had been attacked by forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) on March 4. Despite assurances from First Vice President Riek Machar that such an attack would not occur, the breach highlighted a troubling contradiction to peace agreements.
Kiir expressed deep frustration, particularly after peace talks held in February and March, where Machar had promised to intervene to prevent further violence. Kiir revealed that military commander General Majur Dak Thel and his troops tried to hold their position but were overwhelmed. Attempts to negotiate their surrender failed, and efforts to evacuate the soldiers became increasingly dangerous.
Kiir also confirmed that a subsequent UN rescue mission on March 7 ended in tragedy, with one of the helicopters crash-landing in Malakal, killing all passengers, including General Thel and his officers. Only a pilot and one crew member survived the crash.
The UN’s Special Representative, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack on the helicopter, calling it “abhorrent” and a possible war crime under international law. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, including the UNMISS crew member, and called for an investigation to identify those responsible. Haysom also urged all parties to refrain from further violence and emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent escalation.
Meanwhile, the situation in Nasir remains volatile. Clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a group of Nuer youth fighters, have intensified, with reports of the White Army receiving covert support from the opposition SPLA-IO. In response to the growing violence, the South Sudanese government arrested SPLA-IO’s Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, and the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, in connection with the conflict.
Amid this crisis, Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, calling for urgent dialogue between South Sudan’s leaders. Ruto urged both President Kiir and First Vice President Machar to engage in talks to defuse tensions and restore peace.
The attack on the UNMISS helicopter and the escalating violence in Nasir put South Sudan’s fragile peace process at risk, raising concerns over the commitment of various factions to uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
As the situation unfolds, the international community remains concerned about the long-term stability of South Sudan and the protection of civilians caught in the crossfire.
