A UN evacuation in South Sudan was hampered by gunfire, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a crew member and troops. President Kiir reported a second UN helicopter crash following the attack, though this has not been confirmed by the UN. The violence jeopardizes a fragile peace deal between Kiir and Machar, with ongoing concerns about a return to war in the region.
In South Sudan, a United Nations evacuation operation was disrupted by gunfire, resulting in numerous fatalities. A statement from the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that one crew member died due to the shooting of a UN helicopter. Additionally, an injured South Sudanese general and multiple troops were killed during the incident in the Upper Nile state.
President Salva Kiir reported that a second UN helicopter managed to depart after the initial attack but subsequently crash-landed, leading to the deaths of all individuals on board. The UN has yet to validate Kiir’s remarks, but noted that the attack could potentially constitute a war crime.
Escalating violence in the Upper Nile region has jeopardized a delicate peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, stemming from their historical conflict. The prior civil war, ignited by their rift in 2013, resulted in 400,000 deaths and displaced 2.5 million people. Although a peace deal was established in 2018, tensions have persisted, particularly as the fighting involves government forces and the White Army, a militia linked with Machar.
UNMISS has been evacuating wounded military personnel amidst increasing violence. Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and reiterated their sorrow for the loss of staff while stressing the assurances of safe passage that were previously received. Gen Majur Dak, the army general who perished during the incident, commanded forces stationed in Nasir.
Amidst the turmoil, the recent arrests of several allies of Machar, including a senior military official and the oil minister, have raised fears of a resurgence in conflict. In light of the chaotic situation, President Kiir has called for calm and reassured the public that the government will navigate through the crisis without reverting to war, urging citizens to refrain from taking matters into their own hands. South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, remains the newest nation in the world.
The recent attack on a UN evacuation in South Sudan underscores the ongoing instability and potential for conflict within the nation. With significant loss of life and ongoing tensions between military factions, the situation remains precarious. President Kiir’s calls for calm reflect an attempt to prevent further escalation, as the government works to uphold the fragile peace established in 2018.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
