In recent clashes in South Sudan, UN helicopters came under fire during an evacuation attempt, resulting in multiple casualties. One crew member was killed, alongside an injured South Sudanese general, during operations in Upper Nile. The UN has condemned the attack as potentially a war crime, amidst rising tensions threatening the fragile peace established between the country’s leaders.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in significant casualties, as an attempted evacuation by the United Nations comes under fire. According to a statement from the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), one crew member was killed when armed assailants shot at a UN helicopter. Additionally, a South Sudanese general and several other troops lost their lives during this operation in Upper Nile.
The UN has described the attack on their operations as potentially constituting a war crime. In a separate incident, a second helicopter that managed to take off after the attack reportedly crash-landed, leading to the deaths of all personnel on board. However, UNMISS clarified that both helicopters landed safely in Malakal.
According to Information Minister Michael Makuei, the total death toll stands at twenty-seven South Sudanese soldiers. The ongoing violence in the Upper Nile region threatens the fragile peace established by President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Their prior disagreements ignited a five-year civil war beginning in 2013, resulting in approximately 400,000 deaths and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, the situation remains unstable.
The fighting currently involves the South Sudanese armed forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia allied with Machar. UNMISS is tasked with evacuating wounded troops from the conflict area. Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, emphasizing its heinous nature and expressing condolences for their lost colleague. He noted, “The attack on our mission personnel is extremely abhorrent and could constitute a war crime under international law.”
President Kiir identified the fallen general as Gen Majur Dak, commanding troops stationed in Nasir. As concerns over escalating violence continue to mount, authorities have begun making arrests, including allies of Machar, raising fears of a return to conflict. Following the attack, President Kiir called for national calm, reaffirming, “I have stated time and again that our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. The government, which I lead, will manage this crisis.” South Sudan is the world’s newest nation, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
The recent violence in South Sudan emphasizes the ongoing instability and fragility of peace in the region. The shooting down of UN helicopters and the consequential casualties pose significant humanitarian concerns. The remarks from both UNMISS and President Kiir highlight the dire need for restraint and dialogue to prevent further escalation. As the nation grapples with its turbulent history, it is imperative for leaders to uphold the peace agreements to ensure a sustainable future for the people of South Sudan.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
