A UN helicopter evacuation in South Sudan was attacked, killing a general and soldiers, prompting the UN to label the incident “utterly abhorrent”. The situation threatens the tenuous peace between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar as violence escalates. Calls for urgency are made for dialogue and protection of civilians amidst rising tensions.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers lost their lives following an attack on a United Nations helicopter attempting to evacuate them from the northern town of Nasir, according to government reports. The UN described the incident as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, which poses a threat to the already fragile peace process in the region. Recent skirmishes in the northeastern Upper Nile state have intensified between forces allied to President Salva Kiir and first vice-president Riek Machar.
The UN chopper was engaged in airlifting troops amid intense clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, linked to Machar’s faction. In a national address, President Kiir confirmed the death of General Majur Dak and his soldiers, stating that Machar assured him of Dak’s safety and supported the evacuation mission to Nasir.
Kiir appealed for calm among citizens, asserting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war.” He emphasized that his government will effectively address this crisis while affirming their commitment to peace. The information minister reported that approximately 27 troops, including a UN crew member, were killed during the attack. The circumstances of the helicopter’s damage remain unclear, as it is uncertain whether it was struck while airborne or on the ground.
South Sudan, which achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, had reached a power-sharing agreement in 2018 following a five-year civil war. However, tensions are increasing as Kiir’s allies accuse Machar’s forces of inciting violence in Nasir. Machar’s party has previously disavowed involvement in the recent unrest. Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission in South Sudan, stated that the attack might constitute a war crime and called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Amidst rising tensions, authorities have detained several senior military officials close to Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the 2018 peace agreement. The White Army had previously aligned with Machar’s forces during the civil conflict, adding to the complexity of the current situation. Analysts are warning that the escalating conflict could escalate into full-scale war, with urgent calls for the UN to deploy peacekeepers to protect civilians.
The UN has urged all parties to refrain from violence and for South Sudan’s leaders to engage in dialogue to de-escalate tensions. The UN mission initially deployed to South Sudan shortly after its independence now comprises nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from diverse nations.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers, poses a significant threat to the fragile peace in the region. With rising tensions between the forces of Presidents Kiir and Machar, the potential for renewed conflict is imminent. The international community, particularly the UN, is urged to take swift action to protect civilians and facilitate dialogue to restore peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
