South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has vowed to prevent a return to war following a deadly attack on a UN helicopter that left one crew member dead. He called for calm and reiterated his commitment to peace as the nation faces rising tensions amidst clashes between rival political forces. The country, the world’s youngest nation, is striving for stability after a 2018 peace agreement ended five years of civil conflict.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has publicly stated that his country will not revert to war following a recent attack on a United Nations helicopter that resulted in the death of a crew member during a rescue operation. In a press conference held in Juba, Kiir called for calm and reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining peace amidst the escalating tensions within the nation.
During his address, Kiir declared, “The government that I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” He underscored his commitment to peace by stating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.”
The helicopter attack coincided with a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) team’s efforts to evacuate soldiers amidst confrontations in Upper Nile State. The assault resulted in one fatality among the crew and two serious injuries, along with the deaths of a South Sudanese army general and several additional officers. UNMISS expressed concerns that the incident may amount to a war crime.
Rising tensions in South Sudan stem from ongoing clashes between South Sudan’s armed forces, which are loyal to President Kiir, and those aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar. This has put significant strain on their already fragile power-sharing agreement. Supporters of Kiir have accused Machar’s forces of provoking unrest in Upper Nile State, which includes participation from the White Army, a militia associated with Machar’s ethnic group, the Nuer.
As the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan emerged from a five-year civil conflict in 2018, which was resolved through a peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The current assertion of commitment to peace plays a crucial role in stabilizing the nation and preventing a return to armed conflict.
In summary, President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has committed to preserving peace following a violent incident involving a UN helicopter attack. He has urged calm amidst rising tensions within the country, arising from confrontations between government forces and those loyal to Vice President Riek Machar. This commitment to peace is vital for the fragile stability of South Sudan, which has only recently emerged from civil war.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
