By HAN News Desk
JUBA — South Sudanese authorities have grounded four United Nations-operated aircraft, citing security concerns and allegations of smuggling, officials said Wednesday.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the planes may have been equipped with unauthorized surveillance equipment, raising concerns about potential breaches of national security protocols. Authorities also suspect that the aircraft were used to transport sandalwood, a valuable and tightly regulated commodity, prompting an official inquiry into possible smuggling activities.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which operates peacekeeping and humanitarian flights in the country, stressed that it remains committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and protecting civilians. UNMISS said it is cooperating with South Sudanese authorities to ensure full operational coordination and compliance with local regulations.
Officials from the mission emphasized that the allegations are directed at private contractors responsible for operating the aircraft and not the UNMISS mission itself. They reassured the public and the international community that ongoing peacekeeping and humanitarian operations would not be disrupted.
South Sudanese authorities have not yet disclosed whether the aircraft will be released while the investigation continues or what potential penalties might be applied if the allegations are confirmed. Analysts say the incident underscores the challenges faced by UN operations in the country, where security threats and logistical complexities often intersect.
The grounding of UN aircraft comes amid growing scrutiny over the movement of valuable natural resources in South Sudan, including timber and other commodities, which have occasionally been linked to illicit trade and corruption.
