South Sudan President Salva Kiir has called for calm after 27 people, including military officers, were killed in an attack during a UN evacuation mission in Nasir County. Kiir reiterated his government’s commitment to peace and urged citizens not to take the law into their own hands. The United Nations is calling for an investigation into the attacks, emphasizing the need for dialogue to prevent further escalations.
On Friday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for calm following a deadly attack that resulted in the death of 27 individuals, including a general and his officers, during a UN rescue mission in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. The attack occurred as the United Nations sought to evacuate South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel who were trapped there amid ongoing clashes with the local militia known as the White Army. President Kiir expressed his deep regret over the fatalities and emphasized his commitment to preserving peace in South Sudan.
Following the assault, Kiir confirmed that one pilot survived while one helicopter managed to take off only to crash-land in Malakal, tragically killing all on board. The President strongly urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that the government remains dedicated to managing the crisis and ensuring the nation does not revert to conflict. His message included a call for unity and adherence to peace: “Let no one take the law into their own hands. The government, which I lead, will handle this crisis.”
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth corroborated the accounts of the fatalities involving both United Nations personnel and SSPDF soldiers. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has demanded an investigation to identify those accountable for the violence. UNMISS also called on leaders to engage in dialogue to address tensions and avoid escalating violence further in Nasir and surrounding areas.
Tensions escalated earlier with clashes occurring between SSPDF forces and the White Army, compounding the complexities stemming from the political rivalry between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent actions, including the removal of Machar’s allies from prominent positions, have raised concerns regarding the stability of their 2018 peace agreement, designed to end years of civil conflict. Analysts assert that such incidents reveal the fragile nature of the peace deal and underscore the need for ongoing dialogue to avert further strife.
In summary, the recent violent incident in Nasir County serves as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions in South Sudan and highlights the fragility of the peace agreement established in 2018. President Kiir’s appeal for calm and unity illustrates his determination to prevent a return to war. The international community, through UNMISS, is urged to facilitate dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to resolve disputes and enhance overall stability in the region.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
