A UN helicopter attack in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of General Majur Dak and approximately 27 soldiers. The United Nations condemned the attack, labeling it potentially a war crime. Ongoing tensions between government forces and the White Army militia threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, exacerbated by recent detentions of senior officials.
A South Sudanese general, Majur Dak, along with numerous soldiers, was killed when a United Nations helicopter came under attack during a rescue mission. This operation aimed to transport them from the northern town of Nasir amidst ongoing conflict. The United Nations characterized the assault as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially comparable to a war crime, which could adversely affect the fragile peace process in the region.
The helicopter was deployed to evacuate personnel following fierce confrontations between government forces and the White Army militia, a group allegedly connected to the opposition led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Information Minister Michael Makuei reported that approximately 27 troops lost their lives, and a UN crew member was among the deceased.
There remains uncertainty over whether the helicopter was targeted while airborne or was struck during its ground operation. Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang, did not provide comments regarding the incident, although Machar’s faction has previously denied recent military engagements in Nasir. The UN Mission in South Sudan’s leader, Nicholas Haysom, called for accountability, stating that “We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract…”
Concurrently, tensions are escalating within the government as security forces have detained several senior officials allied with Machar, raising concerns over the stability of the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a brutal civil war. The majority of those apprehended remain in custody, as officials have not commented on the detentions.
As the conflict persists, analysts caution that rising tensions might precipitate a return to full-scale war. In response, the United Nations has called upon all parties to avoid further violence, urging South Sudanese leaders to engage in dialogue to alleviate tensions. Despite the formal peace established since the 2018 agreement, hostilities sporadically emerge, underscoring the ongoing volatility in South Sudan.
The tragic attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of General Majur Dak and several soldiers, poses significant threats to the fragile peace process. The United Nations’ condemnation of the incident reflects the urgent need for accountability and dialogue among South Sudanese leaders. Continuing tensions and recent detentions highlight the precarious nature of the country’s political stability, necessitating immediate intervention to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
