A military court in South Sudan has sentenced a soldier to 10 years’ imprisonment for abducting and murdering a United Nations employee.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

The mission said the soldier was convicted by a General Court Martial sitting in Wau, Western Bahr el-Ghazal.

According to UNMISS, the victim, a national staff member, was abducted and killed while performing official duties on December 15, 2025.

The court sentenced the soldier to 10 years’ imprisonment and ordered his reduction in rank and dismissal from the military.

It also awarded compensation of 51 cattle to the victim’s family.

UNMISS said the judgment provided for a right of appeal.

The mission’s head, Anita Kiki Gbeho, described the ruling as a milestone in efforts to secure accountability for crimes against UN personnel.

“This judgment is a milestone in efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against United Nations personnel in South Sudan,” Ms Gbeho said.

She commended the victim’s family, witnesses and national authorities for their contributions to the judicial process.

UNMISS disclosed that the military court considered 10 cases and delivered judgments in eight.

The proceedings resulted in four convictions and four acquittals, while other cases remained under investigation.

The mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting accountability and protecting personnel engaged in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

 (NAN)