South Sudan grounds four aircraft operating under UN mission

(MENAFN) South Sudan’s government has grounded four United Nations aircraft operating under UNMISS, citing allegations of illegal surveillance and smuggling of natural resources. Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba stated that intelligence reports indicated two of the planes were equipped with advanced surveillance systems, which posed a threat to national security. A special committee has been established to investigate the claims.

The UN mission in South Sudan rejected the accusations. UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury emphasized that all air operations are transparent and strictly support the mission’s mandate to protect civilians and facilitate peace. She noted that discussions with the South Sudanese authorities have been ongoing to resolve the issue.

This is not the first time South Sudan has restricted UN aviation. In 2017, authorities grounded UN planes over disputes related to peacekeeper deployments, arguing that the mission exceeded its mandate at Juba’s main airport.

UNMISS was deployed in 2011 following South Sudan’s independence to safeguard civilians, support the peace process, and aid humanitarian operations. Despite a 2018 peace agreement ending a five-year civil war, political rivalries, localized violence, and intermittent clashes continue to threaten stability. The UN warns that declining security could reverse progress and risk renewed conflict. Currently, over 9 million people—roughly 70% of the population—require humanitarian assistance, including food, healthcare, and other essentials.

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