South Sudan’s government moved on Monday to block the operation of four United Nations-registered aircraft, leveling accusations that the planes had been used for illicit purposes, including espionage and smuggling. The information was provided by Semaya Kumba, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Kumba stated that a government commission has launched a full-scale inquiry into the aircrafts’ activities. The investigation was triggered by intelligence reports suggesting potential violations of security and legal protocols. A preliminary examination of two planes reportedly uncovered sophisticated systems engineered for covert surveillance and intelligence gathering.
The charges were met with a firm denial from the UN mission. Its spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury, flatly rejected the accusations, stressing that all mission aircraft are dedicated exclusively to its mandated tasks: protecting civilians and bolstering durable peace in South Sudan.