A UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan was disrupted by gunfire, resulting in the death of several individuals, including one UN crew member and a South Sudanese general. President Kiir reported that a second helicopter crashed, killing all aboard. The attack has raised concerns of potential war crimes, amid ongoing violence jeopardizing peace between Kiir and Machar.
A tragic incident occurred in South Sudan where attempts by the United Nations to evacuate national army personnel were disrupted by gunfire. According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), one crew member of a UN helicopter lost their life, along with several other deceased troops, including an injured South Sudanese general, during the evacuation in the Upper Nile state.
President Salva Kiir reported that a second UN helicopter, which managed to take off after the initial attack, ultimately crash-landed, resulting in the death of all passengers. While the UN has not substantiated Kiir’s claims, they expressed that the aggression toward the first helicopter “may constitute a war crime.” The ongoing violence in Upper Nile endangers a fragile peace agreement established between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, following a destructive civil war that emerged from their political rift in 2013.
The conflict in Upper Nile currently involves government forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia allied with Machar. In coordination with these parties, UNMISS has been facilitating the evacuation of wounded soldiers from the conflict zone. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, denounced the attack on his personnel as “utterly abhorrent,” and extended condolences following the loss.
The deceased general, identified as Gen Majur Dak, was stationed in Nasir, a pivotal area in Upper Nile. Concerns about a potential return to war have escalated, especially with the detention of numerous allies of Machar, including the oil minister and a senior military officer. In light of these developments, President Kiir has called for national calm, emphasizing, “our country would not go back to war,” and affirming that the government is committed to managing the crisis.
In conclusion, the recent shooting during a UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, exacerbating an already precarious situation in the region. The ongoing violence complicates peace efforts, particularly between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar, while fears of potential escalations grow amid political turmoil and military unrest. The UN has condemned the attacks, underscoring the urgent need for reconciliation and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
