Wau court sentences SSPDF soldier to 10 years for killing UNMISS staff member

A military court in Wau has sentenced a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldier to 10 years in prison for abducting and killing a national staff member of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, UNMISS said the soldier was convicted over the killing of the staff member, who was on official duty in Hai Masna, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, on December 15, 2025.

The General Court Martial also ordered the soldier’s demotion and dismissal from the SSPDF, and awarded 51 head of cattle as compensation to the victim’s family.

UNMISS Head Anita Kiki Gbeho described the ruling as a milestone in efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against UN personnel in South Sudan.

The court’s judgment allows the convicted soldier the right to appeal.

The General Court Martial in Wau heard 10 cases and delivered judgments in eight, convicting four SSPDF members and acquitting four others. Additional cases remain under investigation or consideration for trial.