A U.N. helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, leading to the death of a crew member amidst escalating violence threatening the peace deal between leaders Salva Kiir and Riek Machar. The attack occurred during an evacuation mission in Nasir, where military clashes with the White Army are ongoing. The international community urges for dialogue and resolution to restore peace and stability in the region.
In a grave incident on Friday, a United Nations helicopter on an evacuation mission in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state was attacked, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. The U.N. mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was fired upon while attempting to evacuate government troops from the violence-prone Nasir area, where clashes between government forces and an armed group known as the White Army have intensified.
The attack was confirmed by President Salva Kiir, who stated that several soldiers, including their commanding officer, General Majur Dak, were also killed. President Kiir appealed for calm, asserting that his government would manage the crisis while remaining committed to peaceful resolutions. The fighting in Nasir jeopardizes the fragile peace deal established between Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar in 2018, aimed at ending a prolonged civil conflict.
Tensions have been exacerbated in recent days due to clashes in Nasir, with reports indicating that government troops have encountered the White Army, which is perceived to be aligned with Machar. The recent U.N. evacuation attempt was part of efforts to alleviate political tensions, initiated at the request of both opposing factions. The U.N. mission also emphasized the heightened risk to the peace agreement as clashes continue.
The political rivalry between Kiir and Machar remains a significant barrier to establishing lasting peace in South Sudan. Machar’s faction has denounced Kiir’s government actions, which they claim threaten the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement. The U.S. and the international community have urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue and cease hostilities as the situation escalates.
Historically, South Sudan has dealt with ethnic divisions and civil strife since its independence from Sudan in 2011. The conflict, which re-emerged in 2013, has been marked by numerous challenges to operational governance, including the failure to implement agreed-upon reforms. Though presidential elections have been slated for 2026, time will reveal if lasting peace can be achieved or if the cycle of violence will continue.
The recent attack on the U.N. helicopter highlights the prevalent instability in South Sudan and underscores the pressing need for effective political dialogue between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The ongoing violence poses a significant threat to the 2018 peace agreement, stressing the importance of immediate actions to restore order and prevent further escalation. Striving for peace remains a critical priority for all parties involved, particularly in light of the impending elections slated for 2026, which must be conducted within a stable framework.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
