President Salva Kiir has called for calm following a deadly attack in Nasir County that killed 27 people, including an army general. He reaffirmed his commitment to peace and urged citizens to avoid taking the law into their own hands. The UN has called for an investigation into the incident and stressed the necessity for dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
On a poignant occasion, South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for calm and reaffirmed his commitment to peace following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of 27 individuals, including an army general and local soldiers. This tragic event occurred during a United Nations mission aimed at evacuating South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel from Nasir County amid ongoing clashes with the White Army militia, aligned with the opposition group SPLM/A-IO.
In a press briefing in Juba, President Kiir disclosed that two UN helicopters were targeted by heavy gunfire while attempting the evacuation. He reported the loss of General Majur Dak and fellow officers, with only one pilot surviving the incident. Tragically, one helicopter crash-landed in Malakal, resulting in the death of all its occupants.
President Kiir urged the citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and reassured the nation of his administration’s dedication to sustaining peace. He emphasized the necessity of peace and unity, urging his fellow citizens: “I am appealing to you to remain calm. I have said time and again that our country will not go back to war.”
Minister of Information, Michael Makuei Lueth, corroborated the tragic deaths, including those of UN personnel, amid ongoing violence in Nasir County. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for a thorough investigation to hold accountable those responsible for this attack and has implored all involved parties to refrain from escalating violence.
The unfortunate clashes that erupted in Nasir have accentuated the precariousness of South Sudan’s peace deal established in 2018. Analysis indicates that ongoing political tensions, particularly between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, risk undermining stability as previous conflicts rooted in their rivalry linger over national governance and security mechanisms. Such challenges highlight an urgent requirement for dialogue and reconciliation to avert an escalation into further civil strife.
In summary, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has shown steadfast commitment to peace in the aftermath of a violent attack that resulted in 27 casualties, including military personnel and UN representatives. His appeal for calm amidst escalating tensions highlights the fragile nature of the peace agreement established in 2018. The need for ongoing dialogue to prevent further conflict and ensure national stability remains a critical element in South Sudan’s future.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com
