A South Sudanese general and soldiers were killed when a UN helicopter was attacked in Nasir during an evacuation attempt. The UN condemned the attack as potentially constituting a war crime, deepening concerns about the fragile peace process following years of civil war. Tensions are exacerbated by the detention of high-ranking officials linked to Riek Machar, heightening fears of a return to conflict.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers were killed when a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate them from Nasir, according to government reports. The United Nations condemned this incident as “utterly abhorrent” and emphasized that it could potentially be classified as a war crime, which poses a threat to the already fragile peace process.
The helicopter was carrying troops after violent clashes erupted in Nasir between government forces and the White Army militia. This militia is reportedly affiliated with Riek Machar, the First Vice President, who is an adversary of President Salva Kiir. President Kiir disclosed that General Majur Dak had been assured of his safety before the mission.
Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that about twenty-seven troops died in the attack, which also resulted in the death of a UN crew member. It remains unclear whether the helicopter encountered fire during takeoff or while still on the ground, as the specifics of the incident were not immediately available.
Riek Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, refrained from commenting on the attack, while Machar’s party has denied any involvement in the recent tensions in Nasir. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), expressed profound regret over the loss of life and called for an investigation into the attack, stating that assurances of safe passage had been received prior to the incident.
Moreover, tensions are rising as security forces have reportedly detained several high-ranking officials associated with Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that ended the civil war. Despite assurances from President Kiir that the country would avert a return to conflict, experts caution that escalating conflicts may lead to a renewed outbreak of violence.
The United Nations has urged all parties to cease further hostilities and called for a dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to manage the heightened tensions, particularly in Nasir. Although South Sudan has been officially at peace since the 2018 agreement, sporadic clashes between different communities continue to occur regularly. The UN mission in South Sudan, deployed following the country’s independence in 2011, comprises nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from various nations.
In summary, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan that resulted in significant casualties is a serious setback to peace efforts in the region. The international community, particularly the United Nations, has condemned the incident as a potential war crime and urges accountability. With rising tensions and strategic political arrests, leaders in South Sudan must prioritize dialogue and conflict resolution to avoid the specter of renewed violence.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
