Salva Kiir Urges Calm As Forces Loyal To Machar’s SPLM Kill Top South Sudan General

South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has confirmed the death of General Majur Dak Thel and several officers following heavy clashes in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.

In a statement issued today, President Kiir detailed a series of violent confrontations that led to the fatal crash of a UN rescue plane which claimed the life of the general.

The crisis began on March 4, 2025, when government forces stationed in Nasir for nearly eight years came under attack by the “White Army” under the SPLA-IO faction. Despite earlier assurances from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar that opposition forces would not attack, the garrison was stormed. General Majur Dak Thel, the commander of the government forces, resisted calls from Dr. Machar to surrender opting to be evacuated last.

Following the attack, President Kiir and UN officials arranged a rescue mission to evacuate the besieged officers.

However, UN helicopters attempting to land in Nasir on March 6 and 7 were met with heavy fire. One of the rescue planes managed to take off but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all onboard except for a pilot and a crew member who survived.

Addressing the nation, President Kiir extended his condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and assured the public that the government would handle the crisis.

“I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their own hands,” he urged, calling for calm and national unity.

READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW