UN Flags SSPDF Helicopter Use Over Arms Embargo Violation

(JUBA) – UN Questions Legality and Maintenance of South Sudan Military Helicopters

A United Nations Panel of Experts has expressed serious concerns over the continued use of Mi-24 attack helicopters by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), raising questions about their airworthiness, legality under the arms embargo, and foreign involvement in their operation and maintenance.

In its final report to the UN Security Council, the Panel challenged how the helicopters remained operational despite the arms embargo imposed under Resolution 2428 (2018), which was renewed by Resolution 2731 (2024). The report highlighted that such aircraft require frequent maintenance and access to spare parts, particularly for vital components such as engines, gearboxes and rotor blades.

The Panel pointed out that South Sudan had not applied for any exemptions to the arms embargo to legally obtain spare parts or maintenance support for these helicopters.

“After any additional ground units have been cannibalised for parts, this would require the international procurement of spare parts, as well as ongoing maintenance assistance,” the report stated.

Satellite imagery and ground observations confirm that at least two of the SSPDF’s Mi-24 helicopters were operational over the past year, including during incidents of violence in Upper Nile State. These flights include departures from Juba on October 20, November 13, and January 17, and again between January 31 and February 7 this year. Another helicopter left between February 14 and 18, 2025.

On 20 October 2024, one helicopter made an unscheduled landing in Bor. It was equipped with a B8V20 rocket launch pod. Later in February 2025, two Mi-24 helicopters were observed in Malakal, Upper Nile State, one on February 17 and two again on February 24.

These findings have drawn attention to the source and sustainability of the fleet. According to the report, the helicopters were originally supplied by Ukrainian companies before the arms embargo took effect. A 2016 contract with Motor Sich JSC led to the delivery of three Mi-24V-MSB127 helicopters. A second agreement with Ukraine’s Promoboronexport and Uganda’s Bosasy Logistics Ltd in 2017 resulted in the delivery of four Mi-24V helicopters, two of which were reportedly transferred to South Sudan.

Ukrainian authorities confirmed they have not provided any maintenance or spare parts to South Sudan since the expiry of service contracts more than seven years ago. The State Export Control Service of Ukraine stated no export permits have been granted for transfers to or from South Sudan since 2016, and no rotor or tail blades have been supplied beyond the original fittings.

The report also revealed the involvement of two foreign nationals as part of the helicopter crew involved in the October 2024 Bor landing. This would constitute a violation of UN Resolution 2428 (2018), which prohibits foreign nationals from offering military or technical assistance related to arms.

The UN Panel called on the Security Council to reaffirm the importance of upholding the arms embargo and urged neighbouring countries to enhance cargo inspections, especially those involving aircraft parts potentially destined for South Sudan.

The Panel also recommended that all parties to the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) be urged to uphold the ceasefire and accelerate efforts to unify the national armed forces. This includes completing the deployment and training of the Necessary Unified Forces, a critical component of the peace agreement.

Other recommendations included consultations among sanctions committees and customs authorities globally to monitor exports of timber and charcoal from South Sudan and neighbouring states. These materials are seen as vulnerable to smuggling and fraud, with documentation often manipulated to evade restrictions.

The Panel of Experts, established under UN Resolution 2206 (2015), submitted its findings to the Security Council Committee on July 1, 2025. Its report is expected to inform future decisions on enforcement and adjustments to the South Sudan sanctions regime.

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