A U.N. helicopter was attacked in South Sudan amid a fragile power-sharing agreement, leading to the death of a crew member. President Kiir urged for calm, rejecting the idea of returning to war. The incident raises significant concerns regarding accountability and the potential for escalating violence in the region, jeopardizing the 2018 peace agreement.
On a recent Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during a rescue operation in South Sudan, tragically resulting in the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. This incident has escalated tensions amid a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, with recent clashes between their allied forces in the Upper Nile State raising concerns about a return to violence.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was conducting an extraction of South Sudanese army personnel when their helicopter came under gunfire, leading to casualties among both the crew and the military officers involved. UNMISS characterized the attack as potentially constituting a war crime, intensifying calls for accountability.
In response to these events, President Kiir has urged the nation to remain calm, reaffirming, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.” He emphasized that his administration shall manage the crisis and maintain a commitment to peace. Meanwhile, Machar’s office condemned the attack, labeling it a “barbaric act” And emphasizing ongoing efforts to restore peace by engaging with all relevant stakeholders.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, denounced the assault on U.N. personnel, affirming the gravity of the situation and lamenting the fatalities among those the mission intended to rescue. In a broader context, the U.N. Secretary-General’s spokesperson called for an investigation into the attack to hold the responsible parties accountable.
The ongoing conflict has seen increased military action, with reports of a government garrison being overrun by rebels just days prior. This prompted the government’s crackdown on alleged supporters of Machar in the capital, Juba. Alongside these developments, UNMISS has aimed to address significant civilian dislocation and casualties from the ongoing violence in Nasir County.
According to regional and Western diplomats, the recent clashes threaten the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a brutal civil war, which resulted in over 400,000 deaths. A collective statement from several embassies insisted on prioritizing peaceful dialogue to address the crisis.
Analysts have voiced concerns that Kiir is attempting to consolidate power by making unilateral political moves, including dismissing key vice presidents without consultation. This has illuminated the rising fears of escalation into full-scale conflict, with experts warning that South Sudan is rapidly approaching a dire situation if immediate measures are not taken to restore stability. A joint statement from multiple embassies requested high-level dialogue to mitigate any further loss of life.
The attack on the U.N. helicopter illustrates the fragility of South Sudan’s peace agreement and highlights the urgent need for dialogue among leaders. As tensions rise due to military conflicts and political maneuvers, it is imperative that all stakeholders prioritize peace to avert a return to war and protect the well-being of civilians. The international community must remain vigilant in supporting efforts to stabilize the region and safeguard against potential humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
