WAU — A General Court Martial in Wau has sentenced a South Sudan Peoples’ Defense Forces (SSPDF) soldier to ten years in prison for the abduction and murder of a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) national staff member.
The crime took place while the victim was on official duty in Hai Masna, Western Bahr el Ghazal, on 15 December 2025. In addition to the ten-year prison term, the court ordered the soldier’s reduction in rank, dismissal from the SSPDF, and the award of 51 head of cattle in compensation to the victim’s family, with the judgment providing a right of appeal.
Reacting to the ruling, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, called the judgment a milestone for accountability.
“This judgment is a milestone in efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against United Nations personnel in South Sudan,” Gbeho said. “We appreciate the participation of our deceased colleague’s family in the case and express our deepest sympathy for their loss.”
UNMISS also acknowledged witnesses who gave evidence and commended national authorities for their efforts to advance justice. According to the mission, 19 peacekeepers have been killed and 32 injured due to malicious acts since UNMISS was established on 9 July 2011.
During its session, the General Court Martial in Wau heard a total of 10 cases and delivered 8 judgments, leading to four convictions of SSPDF members and four acquittals, while additional cases remain under investigation.
