A UN helicopter was attacked in Nasir, South Sudan, causing multiple fatalities and threatening the peace process between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. This incident constitutes a potential war crime and has resulted in significant political tensions amidst ongoing violence. Key figures urge immediate intervention to avert a return to war.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate soldiers in the northern town of Nasir, South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of approximately 27 troops along with a UN crew member. This tragic incident poses a significant threat to the already fragile peace process in the country. Government officials termed the assault as potentially a war crime, indicating severe repercussions for the peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
The UN’s statement regarding the incident emphasized its abhorrence, remarking that it could impede reconciliation efforts in the region. Clashes have intensified among allied forces associated with Kiir and Machar, particularly in Upper Nile state. The helicopter’s mission aimed to airlift soldiers who faced heavy confrontations against the militia known as the White Army, which has ties to Machar’s faction.
In a national address, President Kiir confirmed the deaths of General Majur Dak and other soldiers, indicating that Machar had previously assured him of the general’s safety during the evacuation mission. Kiir expressed his commitment to maintaining peace, urging citizens to remain calm amid rising tensions. Information Minister Michael Makuei indicated that approximately 27 troops were killed during the incident.
While the exact circumstances surrounding the helicopter’s attack remain unclear, the intensity of the conflict in South Sudan underscores ongoing turmoil. South Sudan emerged from a five-year civil war in 2018, but recent events suggest rising animosity between allied forces of Kiir and Machar, particularly in Nasir county, where accusations of unrest have surfaced.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan, labeled the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and pressed for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the event. Furthermore, reports concerning the detention of various military officials associated with Machar signal a further erosion of the peace deal that ended the civil conflict, intensifying fears of a resurgence in violence.
The situation is dire, with experts anticipating that persistent tensions may culminate in a new conflict. Alan Boswell, the director of the International Crisis Group’s Horn of Africa division, stated that the country is rapidly edging toward full-blown war. The UN has issued statements urging all parties to cease hostilities and address underlying issues through dialogue to prevent further escalation of violence and restore stability in the region.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious state of peace in a country grappling with the consequences of civil war. The death of soldiers and a UN crew member represents a significant setback for efforts to stabilize the region, while political tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar threaten to unravel peace agreements. Urgent dialogue and intervention are necessary to mitigate the escalating conflict and prevent further violence in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
