South Sudan court jails soldier for killing UN worker, awards 51 cattle heads to victim’s family

The military court also demoted and expelled the soldier from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces as part of his punishment.

ADEFEMOLA AKINTADE • October 9, 2026

LEGISLATIVE GAVEL[CREDIT: WALLPAPERS.COM]

Wau Court Martial has sentenced a soldier to 10 years’ imprisonment for kidnapping and killing Bol Rhoch Mayol Kuot, a staff member of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) who was on official duty in December 2025, a statement said on Friday.

The military court also awarded 51 cattle heads to the family of the deceased staff member as compensation for their loss.

It also demoted and expelled the soldier from the South Sudan Peoples’ Defense Forces as part of his punishment.

Special representative of the secretary-generaland head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, described the judgement as a milestone in efforts to obtain justice for her colleague.

“This judgement is a milestone in efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against United Nations personnel in South Sudan,” Ms Gbeho said. “We appreciate the participation of our deceased colleague’s family in the case and express our deepest sympathy for their loss.”

So far, 19 peacekeepers have been killed and more than 30 wounded in acts of hostility since the UN Mission was established in South Sudan in July 2011.

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