The untimely demise of Samson Ohide, a dedicated South Sudanese pilot, has sent shockwaves through the aviation community and beyond. Ohide was co-piloting a Kenyan-registered aircraft delivering essential supplies to Nyala, a city under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan’s Darfur region. The aircraft was reportedly struck by suspected Sudanese Armed Forces warplanes while offloading cargo at Nyala Airport, leading to the loss of Ohide and several others.
Ohide’s death is not just a personal tragedy but also a stark reminder of the escalating conflict in Sudan, where airstrikes have increasingly targeted civilian areas. Reports indicate that dozens of people, including women and children, have been killed in similar attacks on Nyala City, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of the violence.
As the Secretary General of the South Sudan Pilots Association, Ohide was a vocal advocate for the rights and employment of South Sudanese pilots. In a 2021 interview, he lamented that out of 75 qualified pilots in South Sudan, only six were employed, emphasizing the need for greater opportunities within the country’s aviation sector.
The loss of Ohide is a significant blow to the South Sudanese aviation community, which has already been grappling with limited job opportunities and infrastructural challenges. His commitment to his profession and his country serves as an inspiration to many aspiring pilots in the region.
In the wake of this tragedy, there is a renewed call for the protection of humanitarian workers and the establishment of safe corridors for aid delivery in conflict zones. The international community must hold accountable those responsible for attacks on civilians and ensure that such incidents do not go unpunished.
Samson Ohide’s legacy will endure, not only through the memories of those who knew him but also in the continued efforts to improve and secure the aviation industry in South Sudan. His life and work stand as a testament to the resilience and dedication of those who risk their lives to serve others in times of crisis.
