A Kenyan Pilot Was Killed In South Sudan

A Kenyan pilot was killed on May 3, 2025, when his cargo plane was shot down in South Darfur, Sudan, during an airstrike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) at Nyala Airport. The plane, a Kenyan-registered Boeing 727, was searching for supplies for the RSF-controlled area. The pilot died along with several other crew members and RSF personnel on board. The incident raises questions about Kenya's involvement, or inadvertent involvement, in the Sudanese conflict. Kenya's main economic and infrastructure involvement in South Sudan is a key project. A key project is the expansion and modernization of the Northern Corridor, which connects the port of Mombasa with landlocked countries such as South Sudan. This project is jointly funded by the EU and Kenya, among others, and is intended to facilitate trade and transport in the region. In addition, there are plans and projects for transport links and pipelines to export South Sudanese oil via Kenya, for example through the port of Lamu. Kenya thus plays an important role as a transit country for trade and infrastructure related to South Sudan.