A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others, while claiming the lives of over two dozen South Sudanese military personnel. UNMISS condemned the attack as abhorrent and called for accountability, urging all parties to refrain from violence and to engage in political dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions and uphold peace commitments.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate wounded South Sudanese soldiers in the northern region of the country. This incident resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others, alongside the report of more than two dozen fatalities, including an injured General from the South Sudanese military.
The helicopter was targeted in Nasir, Upper Nile State, yet managed to land safely afterward. This extraction mission was executed at the request of the signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, aimed at resolving the ongoing civil conflict in South Sudan. The initiative formed part of UNMISS’ efforts to mitigate violence and political tensions exacerbated by recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force and armed youth, which caused substantial casualties and displacement of civilians.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of UNMISS, described the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and indicated that it could be classified as a war crime under international law. Expressing profound sorrow for the loss of personnel, he emphasized the importance of accountability, particularly in light of prior assurances for safe passage.
UNMISS has called for all parties involved to cease further violence and for political leaders to engage in dialogue to ease tensions. The mission highlighted the necessity for adherence to the ceasefire and the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement to ensure stability in Nasir and surrounding areas.
This attack is set against a backdrop of persistent instability in Upper Nile State, characterized by ongoing clashes and security concerns. The region has witnessed significant displacement, with humanitarian access hindered by both difficult terrain and ongoing armed confrontations. Notably, violent confrontations erupted in Nasir on February 14 between the SSPDF and armed youth, resulting in casualties on both sides, including those among civilians.
The attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragility of the ongoing peace process and highlights the urgent need for accountability among the perpetrators. It reflects a broader climate of instability that continues to threaten the security and humanitarian efforts in the region. Enhanced dialogue among political leaders is crucial to uphold the ceasefire and ensure the effectiveness of the Revitalized Peace Agreement as tensions escalate.
Original Source: news.un.org
