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
Côte d’Ivoire–Burkina Faso Border Tensions Following the Arrest of Five Ivorian Gendarmes by the VDP
On 21 June 2025, five Ivorian gendarmes were detained by Burkina Faso’s Volunteer Defence of the Homeland (VDP) militia near the shared frontier. This confrontation underscored the porous nature of the approximately 600-kilometer border, the dangers inherent in relying on unregulated auxiliary forces, and the glaring absence of an effective bilateral crisis-management mechanism.
Eastern DRC: M23/AFC Preparing Major Demonstration of Force
According to confidential assessments gathered by African Security Analysis, rebel forces of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and M23 are preparing a large-scale demonstration of force in eastern DRC. The operation is expected to involve approximately 5,000 newly trained combatants, all recently graduated from military training camps in Rumangabo, a stronghold under rebel control.
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.