A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in one crew member’s death amidst clashes with the White Army militia. The incident has prompted urgent calls for an investigation. Tensions have risen due to recent detentions of senior military officials linked to Riek Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the peace process.
A United Nations helicopter was fired upon near Nasir, South Sudan, killing one crew member while evacuating soldiers. The UN mission, known as UNMISS, reported that the attack occurred against the backdrop of escalating clashes between South Sudanese forces and the White Army militia, which is associated with Riek Machar, the First Vice President and rival to President Salva Kiir.
The incident transpired on Friday, as the UN helicopter was engaged in the airlifting of troops following significant confrontations in the region. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, condemned the assault, characterizing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, emphasizing that assurances for safe passage had been received. He called for an inquiry to ensure accountability for the attack.
President Kiir was scheduled to address the nation later that day, while the White Army, primarily comprised of individuals from the Nuer ethnic group, has a history of aligning with Machar’s forces during the civil conflict from 2013 to 2018. Concerns have escalated regarding the peace process as Machar’s spokesperson revealed that several high-ranking officials, including the petroleum minister, have been detained under suspicion of loyalty to Machar, prompting government silence on these arrests.
Despite the detention of military leaders, Machar’s party refutes any involvement in the recent violence in Nasir, highlighting the tense and volatile nature of the peace situation in South Sudan as it continues to evolve amidst these developments.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragile state of peace in the region. It highlights serious concerns regarding the potential for escalated violence among factions, particularly between President Kiir’s government and groups allied with Riek Machar. The international community awaits the outcome of investigations into the attack while the political landscape remains precarious with recent detentions raising alarm about the sustainability of peace efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
