Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – March 15, 2025
In an extraordinary meeting held on March 14, 2025, the African Union (AU) resolved to impose sanctions on the White Army, an armed militia operating in South Sudan, and to designate it as a terrorist organization.
The meeting was chaired by H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and attended by H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, along with other senior AU officials.
This decision comes in response to escalating concerns over the White Army’s involvement in human rights violations, attacks on civilians, recruitment of child soldiers, and actions undermining peace efforts in South Sudan. The AU leaders condemned the militia’s activities, emphasizing that such actions threaten regional stability and contravene international humanitarian laws.
The urgency of this resolution was underscored by the March 7, 2025, attack on a United Nations helicopter evacuation team in Nasir. White Army militants ambushed and fired upon the UN aircraft, which was on a mission to evacuate South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) soldiers trapped in the area. This assault resulted in the inhumane killing of SSPDF soldiers and UN staff, marking a blatant violation of international law and a direct attack on peacekeeping operations.
In response to these developments, the AU announced the following measures:
1. Imposition of targeted sanctions on individuals and entities associated with the White Army, including asset freezes, travel bans, and financial restrictions.
2. Official designation of the White Army as a terrorist organization, thereby prohibiting any support, financing, or affiliation with the group.
3. Enhancement of regional security cooperation to dismantle the militia’s operations and prevent further attacks.
4. Collaboration with international partners, including the United Nations and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to coordinate actions against the White Army.
Speaking after the meeting, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf stated, «The African Union unequivocally condemns the heinous acts committed by the White Army. We stand in solidarity with the people of South Sudan and the international community in ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The AU remains committed to restoring peace and security across the region.»
Commissioner H.E. Bankole Adeoye also reaffirmed the AU’s position, noting that «The deliberate targeting of UN peacekeepers and SSPDF forces by the White Army is unacceptable. These sanctions are a necessary step in curbing the activities of this armed group and preventing further violence.»
The AU will continue to monitor the situation closely and work in collaboration with the United Nations, IGAD, and other international partners to enforce these sanctions effectively. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) will oversee the implementation of these measures and provide regular updates on their progress.