SSPDF soldier gunned down by UNMISS forces in Juba

A South Sudan People’s Defense Forces soldier was reportedly shot dead by UN peacekeepers (UNMISS) on Friday after he forced his way into the compound of the peacekeeping mission in Juba.
Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services

By Benjamin Takpiny

A South Sudan People’s Defense Forces soldier was reportedly shot dead by UN peacekeepers (UNMISS) on Friday after he forced his way into the compound of the peacekeeping mission in Juba.

According to Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, Communication, Technology and Postal Services said the peacekeepers opened fire on Mawien Kuch after he had started shooting at them.

“One of our soldiers who decided to dress himself fully, jumped over the fence of the UNMISS and started firing, so he was gunned down by UNMISS forces, this is one of our soldiers who is alleged to be mentally derail,” said Makuei while briefing journalists in Juba on Friday.

Makuei said the incident appeared strange, adding that they are investigating the circumstance surrounding the incident.

“This is not yet confirmed but of course this is something under investigation because it’s rather strange for a soldier to dress himself in full gear, cock his gun and start attacking, shooting randomly inside the (UNMISS) compound,” he disclosed.

“We are not charging anybody but we want to know the facts of the case only. Something happened this morning and it was in the presence of the pedestrians, people who were walking going to their places or work and so it happened in the presence of everybody. So this was the report which was presented by the Minister of Interior,” added Makuei.

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