A top military commander was on Friday assassinated in South Sudan, following a botched rescue mission by the UN Mission in the country.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan confirmed in a televised statement that Gen Majur Dak, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) commander in Nasir, Upper Nile, had been killed.
Kiir blamed his First Vice President Riek Machar to whom the White Army, a militia of ethnic Nuer youth, is affiliated, for promising to resolve the impasse.
The developments risked plunging the country into deeper uncertainty, coming days after Machar was placed under house arrest and several of his allies detained for fueling the militia violence.
But Kiir told the nation that his government is committed to peace, and will do everything to prevent a slide back into war.
“I have said it time and again that our country won’t go back to war. Let no one take the law into their own hands.
“The government, which I lead, will handle this crisis and remain steadfast on the path of peace. My condolences,” said President Kiir.
The death of the general, however, could yet widen cracks in the coalition Kiir leads, known as the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNoU) which also includes Machar and several leaders of armed groups.
They signed a peace deal in 2018, known as the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan. It was mediated by the regional bloc, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (Igad).
Earlier, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had tried to rescue Dak and various other officials trapped in Upper Nile.
But in a statement, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that its helicopter, conducting an evacuation mission in Nasir, Upper Nile State, came under attack on Friday, in an incident in which a crew member and Dak died.
“Several members of SSPDF, including an injured General, were killed during the attempt by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to extract them from the area, which was made at the request of all parties.
“The evacuation was part of UNMISS’ efforts to help prevent violence in Nasir and de-escalate political tensions, following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth, which caused significant casualties and civilian displacement,” the mission stated.
UNMISS condemned the attack on its personnel, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and warning that it may constitute a war crime under international law.
“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones. We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received.
“UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
The mission further urged all parties to refrain from further violence and called on South Sudan’s leaders to urgently intervene to resolve tensions through dialogue. It emphasized the importance of maintaining stability, ensuring that the security situation in Nasir and beyond does not deteriorate, and upholding the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
Machar’s party, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) reported that Stephen Par Kuol, the National Minister of Peace-Building and Secretary-General of the National Transitional Committee (NTC), who was unlawfully detained alongside three staff members from his office by the National Security Service, had been freed. However, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang and SSPDF Deputy Chief of Staff Gen Duom Lap remain in detention.
In Malakal town, fears are growing over a potential attack by the White Army, which reportedly aims to capture Malakal, the state capital of Upper Nile. In Juba, rumours suggest that the SSPDF may retaliate for the killing of its general.
The latest conflict in Upper Nile State erupted days ago between the SSPDF and the White Army, a militia group composed mainly of armed Nuer youth, allegedly affiliated with opposition leader Dr Riek Machar.
Local armed youth reportedly feared that the incoming troops may target civilians or launch a disarmament campaign. In response, community leaders have rejected the government’s deployment and are calling for a unified force instead.
On Tuesday evening, the SPLM-IO raised concerns over a heavy deployment of SSPDF forces around Dr Machar’s residence, fueling fears about the fragility of the peace agreement.
The White Army has now claimed control of the strategic town of Nasir after intense fighting with government forces. Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border, has long been a flashpoint for conflict.
The White Army, known for its history of ethnic violence, has played a significant role in past clashes and has frequently opposed government forces.
The renewed fighting has sparked concerns about escalating instability in Upper Nile, a region that has remained volatile since 2013. Tensions escalated after the government announced plans to replace long-standing troops with newly deployed forces.
