South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has called for calm following the attack on a UN helicopter that resulted in a crew member’s death. As tensions rise between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, the UN warns that the situation may violate international law and threaten the 2018 peace agreement. International diplomats stress the importance of peaceful dialogue amidst increasing political unrest.
In response to a recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan, which resulted in the death of a crew member during a rescue mission, President Salva Kiir has called for calm. He asserted that South Sudan would “not go back to war” amid growing tensions following clashes between forces allied to both Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in Upper Nile State.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that their team was under fire while attempting to extract members of the South Sudanese army, resulting in significant casualties and accusations that the incident might constitute a war crime. UNMISS also noted that a South Sudanese army general was among those killed in the botched rescue operation.
President Kiir emphasized that the government will manage the crisis and ensure the nation remains on the path to peace, stating, “Let no one take law into their hands.” His statement follows allegations against Machar’s forces for inciting violence alongside the White Army, an armed group associated with the Nuer ethnic community.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, denounced the attack on their personnel, suggesting it could breach international law, while expressing condolences for the lives lost. Unrest in the region escalated when rebels recently overran a government garrison, demonstrating the fragile security situation.
In response, Kiir’s administration has initiated arrests of several of Machar’s allies in Juba, signaling increased tensions within the coalition government formed to uphold the 2018 peace agreement. Judicial actions against these individuals come amid fears that the ongoing unrest threatens the stability established by the previous cease-fire agreement.
Regional and international diplomats have stressed the importance of prioritizing peaceful dialogue and urged leaders in Juba to protect the interests of the South Sudanese populace. Calls have also been made for all factions to honor their commitment to uphold the ceasefire stipulated in the peace agreement, which had previously halted civil conflict resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities.
Critics of President Kiir have pointed to recent political moves that appear aimed at reinforcing his power and marginalizing Machar, including the dismissal of two vice-presidents and the removal of the governor of Western Equatoria State without broader consultation.
President Kiir’s appeal for calm follows increasing violence in South Sudan amidst allegations that recent military actions may violate international law. As tensions rise between Kiir and Machar’s factions, the UN and international community emphasize the need for peaceful dialogue to uphold the fragile 2018 peace agreement. The situation remains precarious as political maneuvers by Kiir are viewed with concern regarding their potential to destabilize the current power-sharing arrangement.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
