A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during an evacuation mission, resulting in one death and two injuries. The violence threatens the fragile peace deal between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. UNMISS emphasizes the urgency for leaders to resolve tensions and implement the peace agreement amid ongoing political struggles and delayed elections.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan on Friday, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. This incident occurred during an evacuation mission in the Nasir area of Upper Nile state amid escalating violence that threatens the fragile peace agreement between the nation’s leaders.
According to UNMISS, the helicopter was fired upon while attempting to evacuate government troops, including several soldiers and their commanding officer, Maj. Gen. Dak. In a public statement, President Salva Kiir urged citizens to remain calm, assuring them that the government will manage the crisis and adhere to the path of peace.
Recent clashes in Nasir have pitted government forces against an armed group known as the White Army, allegedly allied with Vice President Riek Machar. Reportedly, the White Army was implicated in the attack on the UN helicopter, which was deployed to rescue Dak and his troops.
The UN’s evacuation efforts aimed to ease political tensions and prevent violence, initiated at the request of both warring factions. The fighting in Nasir poses a significant threat to a 2018 peace agreement aimed at resolving a civil war that resulted in over 400,000 fatalities, with Machar serving as the first vice president in a unity government with Kiir.
The ongoing political struggle between Kiir and Machar complicates peace efforts, as they accuse each other of endangering the unity government and perpetuating divisions within the country. Recent events include government forces surrounding Machar’s residence and the arrest of several of his associates following an escalation in violence.
UNMISS has called for all parties to cease hostilities and for leaders to collaborate urgently to resolve existing tensions. Following South Sudan’s independence from Sudan in 2011, hopes for peace have dwindled since the onset of civil war in 2013, primarily due to ethnic divisions.
In light of external pressures from the U.S. and other parties, Kiir and Machar are being urged to expedite the implementation of the 2018 peace deal and move towards the long-delayed elections, now scheduled for 2026. Challenges persist, particularly regarding the government’s commitment to completing necessary military reforms and unifying command structures.
In conclusion, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragility of the peace process between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Violent clashes and political rivalries continue to threaten stability, while the UN and international stakeholders encourage a swift resolution to ongoing tensions. The path to peace is complicated by ethnic divisions and delayed electoral reforms, emphasizing the need for cooperation between South Sudan’s leaders.
Original Source: torontosun.com
