Author : | Published: 15 minutes ago
Profile|Courtesy
The Government of South Sudan has established a committee to investigate four UN-registered aircraft that were grounded over suspicions of carrying surveillance equipment and involvement in smuggling activities.
Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba said two of the planes, UNO-570P and UNO-571P, were found equipped with advanced Intelligence Surveillance Recorders (ICRIISR) and missile protection systems.
Two other aircraft, UNO-535P and UNO-536P, are suspected of transporting natural resources, including sandalwood, between South Sudan and Sudan.
“Through our intelligence, we found that these aircraft were equipped with surveillance systems. We also have initial evidence that two other aircraft were engaged in smuggling. I reported this to UNMIS in a very cordial manner,” Minister Kumba said.
The minister stressed that the government is not accusing the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) of wrongdoing, noting that the aircraft normally operate under agreements between contractors and operators.
“This is a very serious security matter. Our committee aims to establish the facts before sharing findings. The final report will be submitted to my office and relevant authorities, and we will also share it with UNMIS after necessary decisions,” he added.
Minister Kumba said the investigation will be handled separately from any contingency plans and aims to clarify the operational and security concerns surrounding the four aircraft.
The committee’s findings are expected to guide the government’s next steps and determine whether further action is required to safeguard national security.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan has yet to issue a statement.
