A soldier from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) was killed on Friday morning within the UN compound in Juba, a senior official confirmed.

Speaking to reporters after the cabinet meeting, Information Minister Michael Makuei said the soldier, identified as Mawien Kuc Kuot from the Mathiang Anyor government-allied militia, allegedly breached the UNMISS compound’s fence and began shooting randomly. UN Peacekeepers reportedly responded by shooting and killing him.

Minister Makuei emphasized that the deceased soldier appeared to be in a compromised mental state, and the government is actively investigating the incident.

Minister Makuei emphasized that the deceased soldier appeared to be in a compromised mental state, and the government is actively investigating the incident.

“There was an incident this morning in the UNMISS camp here, one of our soldiers who decided to dress himself fully, jumped over the fence of UNMISS fully dressed, and he started firing. So, he was gunned down by UNMISS forces,” he explained.

While clarifying the soldier’s mental state remains unconfirmed, Minister Makuei highlighted the unusual nature of the situation. Makuei said: “This is one of our soldiers who is alleged to be mentally derailed. This is not yet confirmed, but of course, this is something under investigation because it is rather strange for a soldier to dress himself in full gear, cock his gun, and start shooting randomly inside the compound.”

 “We are not charging anybody, but we want to know the facts. This thing happened this morning and it was in the presence of pedestrians, there were people walking, going to their places of work,” he added.

UNMISS spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment.