The government of South Sudan has announced the formation of an independent committee to investigate what it described as “serious allegations” concerning the possible involvement of United Nations aircraft in activities exceeding their authorized humanitarian mandate. The accusations involve intelligence-related operations, smuggling of natural resources, and the transportation of military personnel across the South Sudan–Sudan border—a move Juba considers a violation of the UN’s principle of neutrality.
According to official sources cited by New Horizon magazine in Juba, the investigation initially focuses on two aircraft, UNO-570P and UNO-571P, after the discovery of undeclared equipment believed to include intelligence-grade recording and surveillance systems that had not been reported to local authorities. South Sudan’s foreign minister publicly named the two aircraft in official statements, indicating that prohibited security devices were found onboard, raising widespread concern over the nature of their missions.
The inquiry has since expanded to include two additional planes, UNO-535P and UNO-536P, operated by a Rwandan contractor under a UN mandate. These aircraft are reportedly suspected of involvement in smuggling valuable natural resources—including sandalwood—and transporting individuals believed to be military personnel, further heightening suspicions of external involvement in illicit activities disguised as humanitarian operations.
Intelligence reports from Juba revealed that UNO-570P and UNO-571P were equipped with missile defense systems, while the Rwandan aircraft allegedly transported Sudanese army personnel between Kadugli and Abyei. Additional findings indicated the presence of signal jamming and communications tracking devices aboard the planes—suggesting organized security operations unrelated to the UN’s declared humanitarian work.
These developments come amid growing concerns over the potential involvement of UN contractors in regional conflicts across East Africa. The allegations place the United Nations under increasing scrutiny, posing a direct challenge to its credibility and neutrality in Sudan and the wider region, while prompting renewed calls for stronger oversight of its field operations.
