South Sudan warns nationals against involvement in Sudan war after pilot death

May 6, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudanese officials on Tuesday renewed warnings to their citizens against taking sides in Sudan’s internal conflict, underscoring the strain the war has placed on bilateral relations following the reported death of a South Sudanese pilot in an airstrike.

Akuei Bona Malwal Madut Riing, South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said a non-aggression pact guides relations between the two countries, committing them to mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. He cautioned South Sudanese nationals in Sudan against involvement, citing safety concerns and potential diplomatic repercussions.

“The war in Sudan is an internal issue… we have nothing to do with it and urge our people not to be tempted and drawn into the fight,” Riing said. He added that Juba was coordinating with Sudanese leaders to ensure safe passage for those wishing to return.

Separately, Deputy Minister of Interior Mangar Buong Aluong outlined designated border crossing points for returnees and refugees. Aluong listed crossing points, including Renk, Abyei, Majok in the Aweil area, Raja, and routes through Heglig in Ruweng and Bentiu areas.

“We encourage our people to leave so that they do not get drafted and drawn into conflict,” he said, adding that the government and president were working to settle political differences peacefully.

Riing reiterated the government’s stance: “The message has been clear. The war in Sudan is an internal affair… We have also communicated our message to the Sudanese leaders to know that those with whom they come into contact should be given a safe passage.”

The warnings followed media reports of a South Sudanese pilot, Samson Ohide, killed in an airstrike in Nyala, South Darfur. He was reportedly on a private Kenyan-registered plane delivering supplies to Nyala, an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). No group claimed responsibility, though some reports suggested the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which has fought the RSF since April 2023, may have been behind the attack. The strike reportedly caused fatalities and property damage.

At the time of his death, Ohide was the secretary general of the South Sudanese Pilots Association. Friends and colleagues confirmed his death on social media. Neither the South Sudanese government nor the association has commented on why he flew into a conflict zone.

Analysts suggest such incidents involving individual citizens could imply a lack of government control or even tacit support for one side, potentially harming South Sudan’s diplomatic standing, despite official denials of involvement in the Sudanese conflict.