A U.N. helicopter attack in South Sudan resulted in one crew member’s death and two injuries. The attack, part of an evacuation mission, reflects escalating violence between government troops and the White Army. Tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar threaten a fragile peace deal signed in 2018, with calls for dialogue and resolution from the international community.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter conducting an evacuation mission in South Sudan was attacked, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. This incident occurred in the Nasir area of Upper Nile state amidst escalating violence that threatens a fragile peace agreement between the country’s primary leaders.
According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), the helicopter “came under fire” while attempting to evacuate government troops, including their commanding officer, Gen. Majur Dak, who were trapped in the area. President Salva Kiir confirmed in a statement that several soldiers perished during the assault, urging calm among the populace and asserting that the government will manage the crisis while remaining committed to peace.
Recent violence has disrupted the region, igniting clashes between government forces and the White Army, believed to be allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The military garrison in Nasir previously experienced an attack that left Dak and his troops besieged in their positions.
The U.N. mission highlighted that the evacuation was part of broader efforts to ease political tensions and prevent violence, undertaken at the behest of conflicting factions. The unrest poses a significant threat to the 2018 peace deal that ended a previous civil war, during which over 400,000 lives were lost. Machar, who is still part of the current government, faces continued political strife with President Kiir.
The rivalry between these leaders undercuts peace efforts, with Kiir recently removing officials perceived to be aligned with Machar, who has expressed concerns over Kiir’s unilateral actions undermining the peace agreement’s integrity. Additionally, the military recently surrounded Machar’s house in Juba, leading to the detention of several of his associates.
The international community, including the United States, has called for a return to peaceful dialogue and emphasized the need for both leaders to prioritize the welfare of the South Sudanese people. UNMISS reiterated its call for an end to hostilities and urged leaders to collaborate in resolving the current tensions.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, yet has faced persistent unrest since plunging into civil war in 2013 due to ethnic divisions. Both Kiir and Machar are facing increasing pressure to fulfill the peace agreement’s terms and move toward scheduled elections, now set for 2026, amid ongoing challenges in implementing necessary reforms and military unification.
The recent attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragile state of peace and the escalating violence involving government troops and the White Army. President Kiir’s commitment to managing the crisis and the international community’s call for dialogue highlight ongoing tensions between Kiir and Machar, exacerbated by recent political maneuvers. However, the path to stability remains precarious, as both leaders must navigate complex challenges to maintain peace and fulfill the 2018 agreement’s provisions for upcoming elections.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
