A UN helicopter in South Sudan was attacked during a rescue operation, killing a crew member and injuring two others; the incident may constitute a war crime. Clashes between forces loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar continue to threaten a fragile peace agreement established in 2018, raising concerns among international diplomats regarding the future of stability in the region.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while attempting to perform a rescue operation, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. This incident has been described as a potential war crime, exacerbating tensions from a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Recent clashes have occurred between their respective allied forces in the northeastern Upper Nile State.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that their team was targeting members of the South Sudanese army during the rescue when they came under fire. As a result, an army general and several officers also lost their lives in this failed operation. UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack, stating, “The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.”
Since the 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending a five-year civil war, South Sudan has seen ongoing unrest. Kiir’s allies have claimed that Machar’s forces are instigating violence in Nasir County in alliance with the ethnic Nuer’s youth group known as the White Army. This week, a government garrison was reportedly captured by rebels, signaling a deterioration in security.
In response, Kiir’s government initiated a series of arrests targeting Machar’s supporters in Juba, including key ministers. Despite a recent focus on evacuation missions to mitigate violence and civilian displacement in Nasir County, UNMISS has expressed concern over significant casualties.
With key diplomatic figures from Western nations urging for a recommitment to peaceful dialogue and the integrity of the 2018 peace accord, the situation remains precarious. Diplomatic missions have expressed a collective plea for leaders in Juba to prioritize the welfare of the South Sudanese people. UNMISS has also reiterated its call for adherence to ceasefire obligations, as recent political maneuvers by Kiir have drawn criticism, perceived as strategies to strengthen his influence at the expense of cooperation with Machar and other stakeholders.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan illustrates the deteriorating security situation exacerbated by ongoing political tensions. The incident has severe implications for the fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar. UNMISS’s condemnation of the attack as a potential war crime highlights concerns regarding adherence to peace agreements, while calls from diplomatic entities emphasize the necessity for peaceful dialogue and commitment to ceasefire obligations. The evolving circumstances underscore the need for a resolute approach to safeguard stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
