A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of a general and numerous soldiers. The UN condemned the assault, calling it a potential war crime. The incident threatens the fragile peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar amid escalating tensions in the region.
A South Sudanese general, along with dozens of soldiers, has tragically lost their lives due to an attack on a United Nations helicopter in Nasir. The UN has characterized this incident as “utterly abhorrent” and may constitute a war crime, potentially jeopardizing an already fragile peace process between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar.
The UN helicopter was engaged in a rescue operation amidst intense clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, associated with Machar. President Kiir stated that Machar had guaranteed the safety of General Majur Dak and the troops, prompting the rescue mission. Kiir implored citizens to maintain calm and assured them that the government would manage the crisis without returning to war.
Reports indicate that approximately 27 troops were killed in the attack, which also claimed the life of a UN crew member. While the specifics of whether the helicopter was attacked in flight or on the ground remain unclear, the repercussions of this tragedy are significant.
The ongoing unrest reportedly stems from Machar’s forces allegedly engaging in hostilities alongside the White Army, linked to the ethnic Nuer community. While Machar’s spokesperson refrained from commenting on this incident, the political climate in South Sudan remains tense following the arrests of several senior military officials allied with him.
UNMISS Chief Nicholas Haysom expressed deep regret regarding the deaths and emphasized the necessity of an investigation to hold accountable those responsible. Analysts caution that escalating tensions could plunge South Sudan into another civil conflict, stressing the imperative for UN peacekeepers to act to alleviate civilian suffering and prevent large-scale violence.
The United Nations has issued a call for all parties to abstain from further violence, urging South Sudan’s leadership to prioritize dialogue to mitigate this volatile situation. Established following South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the UN mission continues to engage 20,000 peacekeepers from diverse nations to support stability in the region.
The tragic attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious state of peace in the region following years of civil strife. Amid rising tensions between rival factions, the incident raises urgent calls for accountability and further peacekeeping efforts. The international community’s active involvement and dialogue are essential to avert escalated violence and maintain stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
