South Sudan has grounded four aircraft linked to United Nations operations, citing security risks and suspected involvement in smuggling, in a move that has raised fresh concerns over aviation safety and relations with international partners.
- South Sudan has grounded four UN-operated aircraft over security concerns and alleged smuggling accusations.
- Investigations revealed potential unauthorized surveillance systems and sandalwood smuggling through these aircraft.
- The UNMISS asserted adherence to its mandated operations while addressing national coordination requirements.
- Officials stress that the allegations are aimed at private contractors rather than UNMISS, ensuring peacekeeping operations continue.
South Sudan’s government has grounded four aircraft contracted to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), accusing them of operating with undisclosed surveillance equipment and engaging in the smuggling of natural resources, a move that has heightened tensions between Juba and the UN peacekeeping mission.
The decision was announced after a government investigation into the aircraft’s operations, with officials describing the findings as a serious breach of national aviation and security regulations.
The planes have been barred from further flights pending the outcome of the probe, although other UNMISS air operations continue uninterrupted.
Addressing heads of foreign missions in Juba, Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba said authorities had uncovered evidence that two of the aircraft were fitted with reconnaissance and surveillance systems that had not been declared to the government.
He said the equipment went beyond what had been approved under existing aviation agreements, raising concerns about sovereignty and national security.
The foreign minister added that two other aircraft are suspected of being used to smuggle sandalwood, a high-value natural resource, between South Sudan and neighbouring Sudan. Kumba said investigators have “preliminary evidence” supporting the claim, though further verification is ongoing.
The aircraft were identified as UNO-570P and UNO-571P for the alleged undisclosed equipment, and UNO-535P and UNO-536P for alleged cross-border smuggling.
Government cites national security, sovereignty concerns
South Sudanese officials have stressed that the allegations target the operators of the aircraft rather than UNMISS itself.
According to the government, the planes are run by private contractors under UN agreements, and the issue revolves around non-disclosure and alleged misuse of aviation assets.
Authorities said a special investigation committee has submitted its findings to relevant agencies, and appropriate action will follow. Juba reassured international partners that the move does not signal a rejection of peacekeeping operations.
UNMISS, established in 2011 to protect civilians and support peace in the country, said it was unaware of the specific equipment or activities cited by the government. The mission maintains that it operates within its mandate and coordinates with national authorities.
The UN has faced repeated criticism in Africa for inadvertently fueling insecurity. In the DRC and Central African Republic, peacekeepers’ failures to prevent violence and misconduct, including sexual abuse, undermined stability.
In South Sudan, Mali, and the Sahel, operations have sometimes disrupted political dynamics or provoked armed groups. Allegations of trafficking, abuse, and corruption by UN personnel have further eroded public trust, highlighting the challenges of large-scale peacekeeping in fragile states.
The grounding occurs amid ongoing internal security challenges, humanitarian pressures, and strained international relations.
Analysts say the incident reflects growing scrutiny over foreign aviation operations and the limits of international missions in sovereign states.
