President Kiir Calls For Calm After Killing Of an SSPDF General, Soldiers in Nasir County.
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a nationwide call for calm following the tragic killing of a senior officer from the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSPDF) and a crew member during an evacuation process in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
During his State of the Nation Address on Friday afternoon, President Kiir confirmed that Maj. Gen. David Majur Dak was killed by the White Army while boarding a chartered UN helicopter to Malakal.
“This morning, the UN plane flew to Malakal. I am here informing the nation that indeed we have lost Gen. Majur Dak and all the officers. Only one pilot survived.”
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that its helicopter, which was part of an evacuation effort, came under fire, resulting in the killing of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. The statement noted that several members of the SSPDF, including an injured general, were killed during the attempt to extract them from the area.
A United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had said in its press release that its helicopter conducting an evacuation process in Nasir, in Upper Nile State, came under fire today,
“In addition, several members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (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,” reads part of the statement.
According to UNMISS, The evacuation was part of UNMISS’s efforts to prevent violence and de-escalate political tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth, which resulted in significant casualties and civilian displacement.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, labeling it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law. Haysom expressed deep regret over the tragic loss of life and called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
“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.”
The mission is calling on all actors to refrain from further violence and for the country’s leaders to urgently intervene to resolve tensions through dialogue and ensure that the security situation in Nasir, and more broadly, does not deteriorate.
In his address, President Kiir appealed to citizens to remain calm and emphasized his commitment to avoiding a return to war.
“I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands. The government which I lead will handle these crises. We will remain steadfast in this path.”
He honored the service of the fallen officers, stating, “They have died in the service of our nation and they shall forever remain in our hearts. May their souls rest in peace.” President reiterated the importance of unity and calm across the nation during this challenging time, urging all actors to refrain from further violence and to seek peaceful resolutions through dialogue.
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