South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit has urged citizens to remain calm considering the recent events in Nasir that led to the killing of SSPDF Force Commander, General Majur Dak.
In a nation address, President Kiir provided details of the attack that claimed the life of General Dak and several other officers. He revealed that a United Nations plane, which was supposed to evacuate SSPDF officers, came under heavy gunfire while attempting to transport the fallen general and his team. Tragically, General Dak and his personnel lost their lives, and UN staff were also caught in the attack.
“This morning, two UN planes flew to Nasir to evacuate the general and his officers. Unfortunately, as the planes were boarding, they came under heavy fire.”
“I regret to inform the nation that we have lost the general and all the officers aboard. Only one pilot survived, and one of the planes was able to take off. However, that plane crash-landed in Malakal” President Kiir stated.
Despite the tragedy, President Kiir pledged that his government would handle the situation with a focus on peace and reconciliation.
“Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,” he said.
The conflict in Nasir has also resulted in the detention of several senior officials from the SPLM-IO (Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition), including the Minister of Petroleum.
