A U.N. helicopter was attacked in Nasir, South Sudan, while evacuating troops, resulting in the death of a crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The U.N. chief condemned the incident as potentially a war crime. The attack occurs amid heightened tensions, with recent arrests of officials linked to Riek Machar, signaling instability in the peace process.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese forces in the northern town of Nasir. The U.N. mission reported fatalities, including one crew member and multiple soldiers, among them a general. The helicopter was engaged following intense clashes between national troops and the White Army militia, linked to Riek Machar’s rival faction.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and suggested it could be classified as a war crime under international law. He expressed regret over the loss of lives during the attempted evacuation, especially given prior assurances of safe passage. Haysom urged for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack.
The government has remained silent regarding these events, and there has been no response from the government spokesperson, Information Minister Michael Makuei. However, President Salva Kiir’s office announced that he would address the nation later that day.
The White Army, primarily composed of Nuer ethnic members, previously allied with Machar’s forces in the civil conflict from 2013 to 2018, opposing predominantly Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. Recently, Machar’s spokesperson reported the arrest of key officials, including the petroleum and peacebuilding ministers, escalating tensions within the fragile peace framework of the nation, although the government has not commented on these detentions, and Machar’s faction has denied involvement in the recent conflict in Nasir.
The recent attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan underscores the volatile security situation in the country, with serious implications for the ongoing peace process. The loss of lives during the evacuation attempt reflects significant challenges in ensuring safe passage for military personnel. The international community, led by UNMISS, is calling for an investigation, highlighting the necessity for accountability in conflicts that may constitute war crimes. As political tensions rise with recent arrests of key officials, the future of peace in South Sudan remains uncertain.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
