SOUTH SUDAN / NASIR INCIDENT MEMORIAL

A solemn day of remembrance as United Nations peacekeepers gathered to honor a fallen hero. On March 14th, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan paid tribute, not only to their colleague who sacrificed his life in the line of duty and in the cause of peace, but also to the resilience of those who survived. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:04:33
• Production Date: 17 March 2025
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: MEMORIALS
• MAMS Id: 3351358
• Parent Id: 3351358
• Alternate Title: unifeed250317b

Description

STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / NASIR INCIDENT MEMORIAL
TRT: 4:33
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 09, 14 MARCH 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

14 MARCH 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

1. Various shots, the minute of silence
2. Wide shot, Ukranian National anthem
3. Various shots, photo of the late Sergii Prykhodko
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS:
“Mr. Prykhodko, a 41-year-old crew member from Ukraine, was sent as part of a team that flew UNMISS aircraft into Nasir, in Upper Nile State. This extraction mission was part of an interactive effort to prevent further violence and to deescalate tensions in Upper Nile, and here in Juba, which had the potential at that point of spilling out into other parts of the country. I'd like to express here that it was considered by the request of the government of the State Government of Upper Nile and specifically requested by all other parties to the conflict. Regrettably the team came under fire on the ground and Mr. Prykhodko was killed and two other crew members were injured.”

09 MARCH 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
5. Various shots, water salute
6. Various shots, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom meeting crew from chopper

14 MARCH 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Victoria Browning, UNMISS Director of Mission Support:
“We recognize today the heroic nature of what Sergeii did, and his teammates – and what they did on that tragic day - and we are proud to have been, and to be, part his and their lives.”

8. Wide shot, colleagues speaking

9. SOUNDBITE (English) Sergy Kostyuk, Chief Pilot, Ukrainian Helicopter Company:
“Sergii loved life, and not only his. That is why he became a rescuer, a great rescuer, and instructor. He saved many lives during his professional path and gave his life saving others. He is in our minds. He is in our hearts.”

10. Various shots, UN staff signing condolence book

Storyline

A solemn day of remembrance as United Nations peacekeepers gathered to honor a fallen hero. On March 14th, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan paid tribute, not only to their colleague who sacrificed his life in the line of duty and in the cause of peace, but also to the resilience of those who survived.
Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom said,
“Mr. Prykhodko, a 41-year-old crew member from Ukraine, was sent as part of a team that flew UNMISS aircraft into Nasir, in Upper Nile State. This extraction mission was part of an interactive effort to prevent further violence and to deescalate tensions in Upper Nile, and here in Juba, which had the potential at that point of spilling out into other parts of the country. I'd like to express here that it was considered by the request of the government of the State Government of Upper Nile and specifically requested by all other parties to the conflict. Regrettably the team came under fire on the ground and Mr. Prykhodko was killed and two other crew members were injured.”

On 7 March 2025, a United Nations helicopter flew into Nassir on an evacuation mission at the request of all parties to the conflict and with an assurance of safe passage. Despite those promises, the helicopter came under fire on the ground, killing one crew member and injuring two others.
The incredible bravery of the crew who managed to safely fly the severely damaged aircraft back to Malakal after the incident was recognized with a special salute on their arrival back in the capital Juba. Today, their courage and commitment in the cause of peace in South Sudan was further praised by mission leaders.
Victoria Browning, UNMISS Director of Mission Support said, “We recognize today the heroic nature of what Sergeii did, and his teammates – and what they did on that tragic day - and we are proud to have been, and to be, part his and their lives.”
At th e ceremony, colleagues expressed their deep condolences to Mr. Prykhodko’s family and shared memories of their much respected and loved friend.
Sergy Kostyuk, Chief Pilot of the Ukrainian Helicopter Company said, “Sergii loved life, and not only his. That is why he became a rescuer, a great rescuer, and instructor. He saved many lives during his professional path and gave his life saving others. He is in our minds. He is in our hearts.”

In recognition of their service and sacrifice, the crew that flew on that fateful day, were awarded the United Nations Medal of Honor. Mr. Prykhodko’s sacrifice was also remembered by colleagues who signed a condolence book in his memory.

Their message was clear. He will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire all peacekeepers to continue their efforts to protect the people of South Sudan and secure the sustainable peace and prosperity that they deserve.