What You Need to Know
The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killing of Bol Ruach Mayol Kuat, a local staff member in South Sudan. Guterres expressed condolences to the victim’s family and colleagues, emphasizing the UN’s commitment to support during this difficult time. The incident raises concerns about the safety of UN personnel amid increasing political tensions in the country.
Africa. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned “in the strongest terms” the killing of Bol Ruach Mayol Kuat, a local staff member serving as a language assistant in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Guterres, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, extended his “deepest condolences” to the victim’s family and colleagues, reaffirming the international organization’s commitment to providing all forms of support during this difficult time.
According to the statement, Kuat was arrested on December 15 near the city of Wau in Western Bahr el Ghazal State by security personnel before being killed later by his captors.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the acting head of the mission, expressed profound shock and sadness at the loss of their colleague, praising his dedication to serving the people of South Sudan.
She added that “the killing of UN personnel is unacceptable,” calling for a prompt and thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the arrest and killing and to ensure justice for his family.
Beginning of Base Closures
UNMISS was established in 2011 following South Sudan’s secession, with a mandate to protect civilians, monitor human rights conditions, and support peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts.
More than 17,000 civilian, police, and military personnel are deployed in the country, operating in highly dangerous environments where sectarian and security violence threatens the lives of the population.
However, the mission faces additional challenges today, as it has begun closing several of its field bases due to financial pressures resulting from reduced U.S. contributions, despite the fragile security situation.
This comes at a time when South Sudan is witnessing escalating political tensions between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar, who was arrested last March, while the president has faced accusations of committing “crimes against humanity” in September.
These developments coincide with a severe humanitarian crisis, with UN data indicating that over two million people have been internally displaced, alongside nearly one million refugees from neighboring Sudan, while more than 1,800 people have been killed since the beginning of the year.
Observers believe that reducing the mission’s presence leaves civilians and UN personnel more vulnerable, while others argue that its presence has not prevented ongoing conflicts.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was established in 2011 following the country’s independence. Its primary mission is to protect civilians, monitor human rights conditions, and support peacebuilding efforts. However, the mission faces significant challenges, including financial pressures and escalating violence, which jeopardize its operations and the safety of its personnel.
