South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has confirmed the death of General Majur Dak Thel and several officers following heavy clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. The crisis began on March 4, 2025, when government forces stationed in Nasir for nearly eight years came under attack by the “White Army” under the SPLA-IO faction, despite earlier assurances from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar that opposition forces would not attack.
General Thel, the commander of the government forces, resisted calls from Dr. Machar to surrender, opting to be evacuated last. A UN rescue mission was arranged to evacuate the besieged officers, but UN helicopters attempting to land in Nasir on March 6 and 7 were met with heavy fire. One of the rescue planes managed to take off but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all onboard except for a pilot and a crew member who survived.
President Kiir has urged calm and national unity, extending his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers. He assured the public that the government would handle the crisis, emphasizing that South Sudan will not return to war. The incident has raised concerns about the stability of South Sudan’s fragile peace deal between President Kiir and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
The international community has condemned the attack on the UN rescue mission, calling for restraint from all parties involved. The UN has urged “all actors to refrain from further violence and the country’s leaders to urgently work together to resolve tensions.” The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing South Sudan, including the government’s failure to implement promised reforms and the delayed presidential elections now scheduled for 2026.
See below for Statement.
Source: ug diplomat