On Friday, a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a general and dozens of soldiers. The U.N. condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, impacting the fragile peace process. Escalating tensions, including the arrest of high-ranking officials, threaten the peace achieved in 2018. The U.N. urges restraint and dialogue to prevent further violence.
On Friday, a tragic incident occurred in South Sudan as a United Nations helicopter, attempting to evacuate a South Sudanese general and troops from Nasir, came under attack, resulting in numerous fatalities. Reports indicate that among the dead were General Majur Dak and approximately 27 soldiers, as confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei. A crew member from the U.N. was also among those killed, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The U.N. has deemed the attack as “utterly abhorrent,” noting its potential classification as a war crime. This incident poses a serious threat to the fragile peace in South Sudan, which has been striving for stability since the peace agreement of 2018 ended a devastating civil war. The U.N. crew was attempting an airlift amidst heavy clashes between the national army and the White Army militia, associated with the rival faction of First Vice President Riek Machar.
President Salva Kiir reported that he had received assurances from Machar regarding the general’s safety prior to the U.N. mission’s attempt to rescue him and his men. However, details regarding whether the helicopter was attacked in flight or on the ground remain unclear. The UNMISS head, Nicholas Haysom, expressed deep regret over the killings and emphasized the need for accountability, urging an investigation into the incident.
In the lead-up to this attack, tensions have been escalating in South Sudan, particularly with reports of arrests of high-ranking officials connected to Machar’s faction. These actions could undermine the peace achieved in 2018. The White Army, largely consisting of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, remains a significant force amid ongoing conflicts.
President Kiir reiterated a commitment to avoid a return to war, yet analysts caution that the rising conflicts could escalate into broader violence. The U.N. has called for restraint from all parties involved and for leaders to engage in dialogue to stabilize the region. Despite the formal peace, sporadic clashes continue to threaten the fragile security of South Sudan, as the U.N. mission, comprising almost 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 nations, strives to maintain order.
This unfortunate attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the challenges faced in maintaining peace following the civil war. With significant casualties, including a general, the incident may jeopardize existing peace accords. The international community, particularly the U.N., calls for accountability and further dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to prevent any escalation into renewed conflict, stressing the importance of stability in a nation still recovering from turmoil.
Original Source: news.az
