Update on the Crisis in South Sudan
UN Helicopter Attacked During Critical Evacuation Effort, Casualties Reported
As per previous African Security Analysis report on South Sudan (Escalating Security Crisis in South Sudan – 7 March 2025), a United Nations helicopter engaged in a vital evacuation mission in Nasir, Upper Nile State, came under fire earlier today. The attack resulted in the tragic death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. Additionally, several members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), including a wounded general, lost their lives during the operation.
The evacuation, coordinated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was undertaken to ease tensions in the region after recent clashes between SSPDF forces and militia fighters from the White Army. These confrontations have led to extensive casualties and widespread displacement of civilians.
Urgent need for assistance
Amid escalating violence, the SSPDF commander loyal to President Salva Kiir issued an urgent plea for assistance in Nasir. General Majur, along with 11 officers, sought refuge inside a tank to avoid capture by the advancing White Army. Following negotiations, the White Army granted permission for the evacuation of General Majur and his officers by UN forces to Juba.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, strongly condemned the attack in a statement. “This assault on UNMISS personnel is deplorable and may constitute a war crime under international law. We deeply mourn the loss of our colleague and offer our heartfelt condolences to their loved ones,” he said.
Haysom further expressed regret over the deaths of those UNMISS sought to rescue, particularly given the assurances of safe passage that had been secured. He called for an independent investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
UNMISS has issued a renewed call for all parties to immediately cease hostilities and highlighted the urgent need for dialogue to resolve the situation peacefully. The mission has also appealed to South Sudan’s leadership to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of security conditions in Nasir and across the nation.
Discover More
Escalating Jihadist Violence and Political Fragmentation in the Sahel
In the last week of April 2025, the Sahel region experienced a significant escalation in violence and instability, primarily driven by jihadist groups and ongoing political fragmentation. JNIM, an al-Qaeda-affiliated group, launched coordinated attacks across Mali, Burkina Faso, and Benin from April 21–25, targeting civilians, security forces, and urban centres.
A Fragile Ceasefire in Eastern DRC
Amid ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two nearly identical statements released on April 23, 2025, announced an immediate ceasefire. One was signed in Goma by a member of the rebel group AFC/M23—someone not even officially part of the delegation—and the other was issued by the Congolese government in Kinshasa.
Contact us to find out how our security services can support you.
We operate in almost all countries in Africa, including high-risk environments, monitoring and analyze ongoing conflicts, the hotspots and the potential upcoming threats on the continent. Every day. Around the clock.