By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Military authorities in Western Bahr el Ghazal have arrested a prime suspect in the “heinous” killing of a United Nations staff member, signaling a major breakthrough in a case that has sparked international outrage. The arrest by SSPDF Division V comes just days after the victim, a local language assistant, was forcibly detained and executed in Wau.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a press statement dated December 20, 2025, confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody following the death of Bol Rhoch Mayol Koul. Koul was a South Sudanese national serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The government expressed its deepest concern regarding the killing, which occurred on December 15 in Wau. The Ministry categorized the killing of Bol Rhoch Mayol Koul as an unacceptable breach of both national and international legal standards.
“The Ministry unequivocally and categorically condemns this heinous crime,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read. “Any attack against personnel serving with UNMISS or international organizations is unacceptable and constitutes a grave violation of the laws of the Republic of South Sudan”.
The Ministry further commended the leadership of SSPDF Division V for their swift action in “quickly apprehending the suspect” and affirmed that the government is taking “decisive steps” to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The shock of the killing reached the UN Headquarters in New York, where Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, issued a formal condemnation on December 19. The UN confirmed that Koul was forcibly detained by security actors near Wau town before he was subsequently killed by his captors.
“The Secretary-General condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a civilian staff member,” Dujarric stated. “He calls upon the Government of South Sudan to spare no effort in ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are swiftly brought to justice”.
The Secretary-General extended his deepest condolences to the victim’s family and reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to supporting the loved ones of the deceased during this “profoundly difficult time”.
The killing of Mr. Bol Rhoch Mayol Koul highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by humanitarian and peacekeeping staff in South Sudan. Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the laws of the Republic of South Sudan, personnel serving with UNMISS are afforded specific legal protections to ensure they can carry out their mandates safely.
The forced detention and subsequent execution of a staff member by security actors is considered a severe violation of these protocols. While the swift arrest by SSPDF Division V indicates a commitment to accountability, international partners continue to emphasize that the safety and security of all UN personnel is an essential requirement for the Mission’s operations across the country.