A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of a general and dozens of soldiers, prompting condemnation from the U.N. and raising concerns over possible war crimes. The incident threatens the fragile peace process, exacerbated by recent arrests of key officials aligned with Riek Machar. The U.N. calls for restraint and dialogue to stabilize the region.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers tragically lost their lives on Friday when a United Nations helicopter, which aimed to evacuate them from Nasir, was attacked. This incident, according to the government, poses a significant threat to an already delicate peace process. The U.N., describing the attack as “utterly abhorrent,” indicated it could potentially be classified as a war crime, as reported by News.Az, citing Reuters.
The helicopter was dispatched to airlift soldiers amid intense clashes between national forces and the White Army militia. The White Army is linked to Riek Machar’s forces, President Salva Kiir’s political rival. In a national address, President Kiir confirmed the deaths of General Majur Dak and his troops, stating that Machar had assured both him and the U.N. representative of the general’s safety before the rescue mission was deployed.
Michael Makuei, South Sudan’s Information Minister, announced that approximately 27 troops, alongside a U.N. crew member, were killed in the assault. It remains unclear whether the helicopter was attacked while airborne or on the ground. Machar’s spokesperson declined to comment on the incident, asserting that his party previously denied involvement in the recent violence in Nasir.
The head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it “utterly abhorrent” and indicative of a potential war crime under international law. He expressed regret over the casualties among those targeted for extraction, emphasizing the need for an investigation to hold those accountable for the act.
The conflict’s backdrop is further complicated by the arrest of high-ranking officials, including the petroleum minister and deputy head of the army, which Machar’s spokesperson suggested could threaten the fragile peace established in 2018. The government has remained silent on these detentions, with most of those arrested reportedly still in custody or under house arrest.
The White Army, primarily consisting of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, played a significant role during the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against the Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. Despite Kiir’s declaration that South Sudan will not regress into conflict, analysts warn that the rising tensions could result in a resurgence of violence.
In light of these developments, the U.N. has called upon all parties involved to cease violence and urged the leaders to engage in dialogue, ensuring peace in Nasir and the entire nation. Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has officially maintained peace under the 2018 agreement, which concluded a civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives. The U.N. mission, established shortly after independence, consists of nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 countries.
The recent attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan, resulting in numerous casualties, underscores the volatility of the region’s peace process. With the loss of lives, including that of a general, the incident raises concerns regarding potential war crimes and the fragility of the existing peace agreements. Continued vigilance and dialogue are imperative to prevent further escalation of tensions and violence in South Sudan.
Original Source: news.az
