A U.N. helicopter in South Sudan was attacked while trying to evacuate troops, resulting in a crew member’s death and casualties among soldiers, including a general. U.N. officials condemned the attack, suggesting it may be a war crime, while the government remains silent amidst rising tensions and detentions of officials linked to Riek Machar.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter, engaged in an evacuation mission for South Sudanese soldiers, was fired upon in Nasir, resulting in the death of one crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The U.N. mission reported that the helicopter was attempting to airlift troops amid intensified clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, which is alleged to have connections to forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the incident, stating, “The attack… is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.” He expressed sorrow over the loss of life among those the U.N. aimed to rescue, emphasizing that assurances of safe passage had been received. Haysom called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible.
There was no response from South Sudan’s government spokesperson, Information Minister Michael Makuei, but the presidency announced that President Salva Kiir would address the nation later that afternoon. The White Army is primarily composed of the Nuer ethnic group and had previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil conflict from 2013 to 2018 against Kiir’s troops, who are mainly of Dinka ethnicity.
In a related context, Machar’s spokesperson indicated that security forces had detained several key officials from his faction, including the ministers of petroleum and peacebuilding, as well as the deputy head of the army. These actions raised concerns over the stability of the peace process in South Sudan. The government remained silent on these detentions, while Machar’s party denied any participation in the recent violence in Nasir.
This incident reflects escalating tensions in South Sudan, particularly with the skirmishes between government forces and opposing militias. The U.N.’s call for an investigation highlights the grave implications of such attacks on international law and the fragile peace process within the nation. President Kiir’s upcoming address may provide further insights into the government’s position amidst these troubling developments.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
