The Government of South Sudan has taken the unprecedented step of grounding four aircraft operating under contracts with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), accusing them of carrying undisclosed surveillance equipment and participating in illegal cross-border smuggling.
Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba announced the action on Saturday during a briefing with foreign diplomats in Juba, saying intelligence findings revealed serious breaches of national security and sovereignty.
Allegations Against the Aircraft
According to the minister, two of the grounded aircraft identified by registration numbers UNO-570P and UNO-571P were fitted with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) equipment and undisclosed protective systems that were never disclosed to South Sudanese authorities.
In addition, two other aircraft UNO-535P and UNO-536P are accused of being used to transport sandalwood and other natural resources across the South Sudan-Sudan border in violation of national laws.
Minister Kumba stressed that the allegations are directed at contract operators rather than UNMISS itself, noting that these aircraft were deployed under contracts between private firms and the United Nations.
Government Response and Investigation
An independent government investigation committee reportedly completed its review and submitted its findings to relevant authorities, forming the basis for the decision to ground the aircraft.
The government says the matter will be handled separately from ongoing discussions around UNMISS operations, including troop rotations and base closures related to peacekeeping drawdowns.
Kumba reiterated the government’s commitment to cooperating with the UN mission while safeguarding South Sudan’s sovereignty and security interests, emphasising that other UN-contracted civilian aviation firms remain unaffected.
Diplomatic Reactions and Broader Context
Diplomatic concerns were raised about the public handling of sensitive intelligence.
South Africa’s ambassador questioned potential security implications ahead of South Sudan’s December 2026 elections, as the government prepares to coordinate with regional partners to ensure stability.
UNMISS had not immediately responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.
