A recent attempt by the UN to evacuate members of the South Sudan army in Upper Nile state resulted in multiple fatalities, including a crew member and several soldiers. President Kiir reported that a second helicopter crashed while attempting to escape the conflict. The UN condemned the attack, which may constitute a war crime, highlighting the fragile peace in South Sudan amidst ongoing violence between national forces and the White Army militia.
In South Sudan, a disturbing incident occurred where a United Nations (UN) evacuation effort was thwarted due to gunfire, resulting in several fatalities. The UN reported that a crew member lost their life after a UN helicopter came under attack. During this evacuation attempt in the Upper Nile state, an injured South Sudanese general and multiple soldiers also lost their lives.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir disclosed that a second UN helicopter managed to depart following the assault but tragically crash-landed, claiming the lives of all individuals aboard. The UN has not officially verified these statements but indicated that the attack on the initial helicopter “may constitute a war crime.”
Rising tensions due to weeks of fighting in Upper Nile jeopardize the already precarious peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The rift between these leaders previously led to a devastating five-year civil war that resulted in 400,000 fatalities and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Though a peace accord was signed in 2018, instability persists.
Currently, clashes are occurring between the national forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia previously allied with Machar. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been executing evacuations for injured troops from the affected regions based on agreements with both the White Army and the South Sudanese army. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the assault on UN personnel, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a violation of international law.
Kiir confirmed the death of Gen. Majur Dak, who commanded the troops stationed in Nasir, Upper Nile. Increasing apprehensions regarding a potential resurgence of war have arisen following a series of detentions involving Machar’s associates, including the oil minister and a senior army general. In light of Friday’s attack, President Kiir urged citizens to “remain calm,” asserting that efforts would be made to avert a return to conflict as his government navigates through the crisis. South Sudan achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest nation.
The tragic incidents involving UN helicopters in South Sudan underscore the persistent volatility in the region, exacerbated by prolonged conflicts and political strife. President Kiir’s appeal for calm and the UN’s condemnation of the attacks highlight the dire need for renewed peace efforts to prevent further escalation of violence in the war-torn country.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
