A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan amidst rising tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar over a power-sharing deal. The incident led to casualties and calls for peace by Kiir and Machar. The head of UNMISS condemned the attack, urging an investigation into the incident, as the government arrests key ministers related to the unrest.
On Friday, a United Nations (UN) helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, highlighting escalating tensions in the nation. President Salva Kiir emphasized that the country cannot afford to descend into war again, despite conflicts within his government, particularly regarding a fragile power-sharing agreement with First Vice President Riek Machar. Clashes have emerged in Upper Nile State, contributing to the unrest.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported an incident where their helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate members of the South Sudanese army. This attack resulted in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. The UNMISS also stated that several officials, including a South Sudanese army general, were killed during the failed operation.
Amid these tensions, President Kiir called for calm among citizens, reiterating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.” He asserted the government’s commitment to managing the crisis while maintaining a focus on peace.
The civil war concluded in 2018 with a peace agreement between Kiir and Machar; however, recent months have seen a deterioration of trust. Kiir’s administration accuses Machar of instigating tensions using the White Army. In response to the helicopter attack, Machar’s office condemned the act, labeling it “barbaric” and emphasizing the need to restore peace in the region.
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the attack on personnel as potentially constituting a war crime and expressed sorrow over the deaths of those they aimed to rescue. U.N. Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. In connection with the escalated violence, the government has detained key ministers, signaling serious ramifications amidst ongoing instability.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragile state of peace in the country, where tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar have reignited. Kiir’s commitment to avoiding a return to war is crucial as the UN and international community call for accountability and efforts to restore order. With the arrest of government officials and ongoing violence, the path to peace remains highly complex and challenging.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
