A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, killing one crew member and injuring two others. UNMISS condemned the attack as potentially a war crime. Recent clashes threaten the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, with rising political tensions and arrests of key officials. The violence raises concerns about the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan was attacked during an attempt to rescue soldiers, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. This incident is being viewed as a potential war crime, according to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which stated that their team was engaged in extraction efforts when they came under fire. Tragically, a South Sudanese army general and other officers also lost their lives during the mission.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, expressed that “The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.” He also lamented the loss of those they were attempting to rescue. The fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which was established to end the nation’s civil war in 2018, has faced new threats due to recent clashes among allied forces in Upper Nile State.
In recent developments, the government has placed the blame for rising violence in Upper Nile on Machar’s forces, accusing them of inciting unrest in Nasir County alongside the White Army, a group of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group. Following an attack in the region on Tuesday that overwhelmed a government garrison, there have been multiple arrests of Machar’s allies in the capital Juba, including key government figures.
UNMISS reported that their evacuation mission aimed to curb the escalating violence in Nasir County, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. Regional and Western diplomats have issued warnings regarding the risk this violence poses to the 2018 peace agreement. They emphasized the necessity for Juba-based leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue for the welfare of the South Sudanese people, as shared in a statement from various embassies including the United States, Britain, and the European Union.
Furthermore, analysts have raised concerns about Kiir’s recent political maneuvers, suggesting they are attempts to further consolidate his power at the expense of Machar. These moves include the dismissal of two vice-presidents without consulting other stakeholders, which has intensified the political tensions in the nation.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the precarious nature of the ongoing conflict and the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement. The loss of life among UN personnel and South Sudanese soldiers underscores the urgent need for dialogue and adherence to ceasefire commitments. The international community’s calls for a focus on the South Sudanese populace’s welfare are imperative in light of escalating violence and political strife.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
