South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir called for calm after a violent attack in Nasir County left 27 dead, including military and UN personnel. The incident occurred during a rescue attempt involving UN helicopters. Kiir emphasized peace and the government’s role in managing the crisis while the UN demanded accountability and urged dialogue among all parties involved.
On Friday, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir urged for calm following a violent assault that resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including a major and several military officers. The attack took place in Nasir County during a United Nations mission to evacuate South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel amid ongoing clashes with the local White Army militia aligned with the opposition. Kiir expressed condolences for the casualties, including UN staff involved in the rescue efforts.
The incident occurred when two UN helicopters dispatched to assist were met with heavy gunfire. President Kiir informed the nation about the loss of General Majur Dak and emphasized that only one pilot survived. He implored citizens not to resort to violence, reiterating his administration’s commitment to uphold peace in South Sudan.
Kiir appealed to the populace to maintain tranquility and assured that the government would manage the ongoing crisis without reverting to war. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the fatalities, which included UN personnel, and stated the need for an investigation regarding the attack’s responsible parties.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) called for accountability and urged all factions involved to cease violence, advocating for a dialogue to ease tensions in the region. Recent clashes between SSPDF and the White Army underscore the instability surrounding the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, which faces significant challenges in unifying armed groups into a national military.
In summary, the violent incident in Nasir has raised significant concerns regarding the stability of South Sudan and the adherence to the 2018 peace agreement. President Kiir’s calls for calm and the UN’s demand for accountability highlight the urgent need for dialogue and peace to prevent further violence. The situation remains precarious and underscores the necessity of continual efforts to unify the nation and reinforce peace initiatives.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
