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
How ADF/ISCAP Overran Komanda in July 2025
This article offers a deeply detailed analysis of the ADF/ISCAP's operations in Komanda, a town in the Ituri province of the DRC. The article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the attack, from the group's infiltration strategy to the tactical execution and broader strategic goals. It also addresses the local and regional security dynamics, offering recommendations to improve local defence measures and prevent future incidents.
Rapid Support Forces Declare a Parallel Government in Darfur as El Fasher Starves
Since April 2023 Sudan has been locked in civil war between the national army, commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemetti”). Over time the conflict has assumed a geographic logic: the army controls the Red Sea corridor and the east from Port-Sudan, while the RSF entrenches itself in Darfur and parts of Kordofan.
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.