By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A heavy-duty recovery vehicle alleged to belonging to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was repurposed for a private commercial rescue operation, resulting in mechanical destruction after military commanders diverted the asset for business interests.
The Boorchar recovery vehicle is one of two captured by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) from UNMISS. While one unit was successfully transferred to the capital, the second was left behind. Addressing the media at the SSPDF Headquarters in Juba on Wednesday, military spokesperson Maj Gen Lual Rai Koang confirmed that “business-oriented” commanders utilized the specialized equipment to assist a trailer that was stacked.
“SSPDF had captured two Boorchar from UNMISS. One was the one transferred to Juba; there was one which was left,” Maj Gen Koang stated, detailing the shift from military logistics to private enterprise.
The diversion occurred when a large trailer heavily loaded with goods belonging to an individual identified as James became immobilized in the mud. According to the spokesperson, the incident took place in Saarabeta, Adwechia, where the military asset was diverted to perform a recovery task.
Maj Gen Koang explained that “James unloaded the second Boorchar” and “decided to use it for pulling out other trailer that was heavily loaded with goods.”
The attempt to use this equipment to pull out the stuck trailer proved costly as the mechanical strain of the rescue operation led to a total failure of the vehicle’s transmission system. “As a result, the clutch plate of the Boorchar got burnt or destroyed in the process of pulling the stuck trailer,” the General revealed.
The origins of the vehicle appear to date back to the early years of the nation’s conflict. When contacted for comment, one UNMISS staff member, who declined to be named for safety reasons, indicated the mission has little direct information on the specific asset. “Only heard the story. No direct knowledge. Apparently it was allegedly by IO in 2013 or so from peacekeepers,” the staff member stated.
Despite the mechanical destruction caused by the unauthorized recovery attempt, the SSPDF maintains that the vehicle is no longer at risk of loss. Maj Gen Koang concluded the briefing by emphasizing that the military has re-established control over the damaged asset. “We have secured everything, and anytime it will be transferred to Juba.”