South Sudan Grounds UN Aircraft as Tensions Rise Over Alleged Surveillance

South Sudan’s government has grounded four United Nations–registered aircraft after intelligence officials claimed the planes were being used for illegal surveillance and smuggling operations — allegations the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) firmly denies.

Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba confirmed that an inter‑agency committee was deployed to assess the aircraft following “security concerns from recent intelligence findings.” According to officials, two of the four aircraft were found carrying advanced reconnaissance and recording systems far beyond standard peacekeeping aviation tools.

UNMISS spokesperson Priyanka Chowdhury rejected the accusations, stressing that all UN flight assets operate strictly within their humanitarian and peacekeeping mandate, providing life‑saving support to millions across South Sudan:

“Every aviation operation we conduct is transparent, coordinated with authorities, and aimed solely at protecting civilians and supporting peace.”

This is not the first time aviation has become a flashpoint. In 2017, the government grounded UN aircraft following the deployment of peacekeepers to secure Juba International Airport — a move it argued exceeded the mission’s mandate.

Today, more than 70% of South Sudan’s 11 million people rely on humanitarian assistance, much of which depends on UN aviation for delivery across remote and flood‑affected regions. Analysts warn that the grounding of aircraft, if prolonged, could deepen crisis levels in an already fragile humanitarian landscape.

The latest standoff comes amid rising political uncertainty, regional instability, and continued displacement linked to conflict in the country’s northern and central regions.

TVOA’s Desk will continue monitoring developments as tensions between Juba and international organizations escalate.

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