Kiir confirms killing of army general in Nasir calls for calm

Speaking in an address to the nation at the presidential palace in Juba, Kiir stated that Maj. Gen. Majur Dak, the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) Brigade Commander in Nasir, was killed alongside soldiers during an attempted evacuation by the United Nations.

“I am therefore informing the nation that in this process, we have lost General Major Dak and all the officers. Only one pilot survived, and one of the planes managed to take off. However, it crash-landed in Malakal, killing all the passengers that were on board,” Kiir said.

The president attributed the escalation in Nasir to an attack on government forces by the White Army, a local armed group reportedly he said were acting under the command of Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) officers.

“On March 4^th, 2025, the military garrison in Nasir was attacked by the White Army under the command of SPLA-IO officers. Despite the assurances from Dr. Riek Machar that the IO would not attack the base, General Majur Dak… managed to hold his ground with the few remaining forces in tanks and trenches,” Kiir said.

According to the president, First Vice President Riek Machar, who is also the head of the SPLM/SPLA (IO) had previously assured him and the UN that the general and his forces would be safely evacuated from the area.

However, when UN helicopters arrived on yesterday, they came under fire while attempting to land.

“The second attempt was made, and the IO troops were told to at least retreat 300 meters away to allow the plane to land. It still came under fire while taking off but managed to rescue 11 officers and men,” Kiir explained.

The final attempt to evacuate Gen. Dak this morning was also met with gunfire, resulting in the deaths of the general and his men. He said a UN staffer and all the SSPDF soldiers, who were bodyguards of the general, were killed in the process.

The killing of the general follow recent arrests of several SPLA-IO officers and opposition politicians in Juba, further deepening mistrust between the government and opposition factions.

The detentions, carried out by security agencies aligned with the ruling SPLM party, have sparked concerns among opposition leaders that the government is cracking down on SPLA-IO figures as part of a broader power struggle.

At least three senior SPLA-IO officers were detained in the capital in the days leading up to the killing of the general, and the government has said that they were arrested for breaking the law.

The SPLA-IO has accused Kiir’s administration of targeting its officers despite ongoing peace efforts.

Kiir urged citizens to remain calm, stressing that his government would not allow South Sudan to slide back into war.

“I have said time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands,” he said.

He reiterated that the government would handle the crisis and remain committed to the peace process.

“The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace,” he assured.

The president extended condolences to the families of the fallen general and soldiers.

“My condolences to the bereaved families of the general and his men. They have died in the service of our nation, and they shall forever remain in our hearts,” Kiir said.

The latest developments raise fresh concerns about the fragile peace agreement between Kiir and Machar. Analysts warn that escalating violence in Upper Nile State and the detentions of opposition figures in Juba could undermine trust between the parties and further destabilize the region.

The SPLA-IO has not yet responded to Kiir’s allegations that its officers were behind the Nasir attack. The UN has confirmed the killing of the general but has not pointed hands on any of the parties.

sudanspost.com