A UN helicopter was attacked during an evacuation in Nasir, South Sudan, killing Gen Majur Dak and about 27 soldiers. The UN condemned the incident as a potential war crime. Rising tensions between rival factions threaten the 2018 peace agreement. Calls for investigation and restraint are emphasized as fears of escalated violence grow.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission in Nasir, South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of a prominent general, Gen Majur Dak, and approximately 27 soldiers. The UN described the incident, occurring amidst escalating violence in the north-eastern Upper Nile state, as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, jeopardizing the fragile peace process following a 2018 power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
Recent clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, linked to Machar, complicate efforts to maintain peace. In a national address, President Kiir reassured citizens that he would manage the crisis and emphasized a commitment to avoid a return to war. The nation’s information minister confirmed the fatalities included a UN crew member, but details about the helicopter’s exact condition during the attack remain unclear.
Tensions in South Sudan are rising, with accusations from Kiir’s allies that Machar’s forces exacerbate instability. In an urgent call for accountability, the UN mission’s head demanded an investigation into the attack, citing previous assurances of safe passage for the helicopter crew. Despite these developments, Machar’s representatives refrained from commenting on the violent incident.
Authorities have also detained senior military officials close to Machar, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. The International Crisis Group warned of an imminent full-blown conflict, urging the UN to prepare peacekeepers, fearing large-scale ethnic violence if tensions persist. The UN has called for restraint from all parties and dialogue among leaders to prevent further deterioration of the situation in Nasir and across the country.
Established after South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the UN mission currently consists of nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from various nations, tasked with stabilizing the region amid ongoing crises.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the precarious nature of the peace process between rival factions in the country. With the loss of lives and rising tensions, both national and international calls for accountability and dialogue emphasize the urgent need to avert further violence. Observers warn that without immediate intervention, South Sudan risks reverting to full-scale conflict, underscoring the necessity of maintaining peacekeeping efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
