President Salva Kiir of South Sudan vowed to maintain peace after a UN helicopter was attacked, resulting in fatalities. He emphasized his commitment to peace during a press conference, confirming that the government would not revert to conflict. Rising tensions between Kiir’s and Machar’s forces are increasing instability in the region, particularly following violent clashes in Upper Nile State.
South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has pledged that his nation will not revert to war following a recent attack on a UN helicopter, which resulted in the death of a crew member during a rescue operation. During a press briefing in Juba, President Kiir emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stated, “The government that I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.”
He reiterated his stance, saying, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.” This incident occurred as a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) team worked to evacuate troops amid violent clashes in Upper Nile State, during which the helicopter was fired upon.
The attack left one crew member dead and two others injured, while several soldiers from the South Sudanese army also lost their lives. UNMISS has stated that the incident could be categorized as a war crime. The situation has escalated in recent weeks, exacerbated by skirmishes between forces allied with President Kiir and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, causing strain on their delicate power-sharing agreement.
Allegations of unrest instigated by Machar’s forces in Upper Nile State have been made by Kiir’s supporters, who also cite the involvement of the White Army, an armed youth group associated with Machar’s ethnic community. Since achieving independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced ongoing challenges, including a civil war that formally ended in 2018 with a peace accord between Kiir and Machar.
In summary, South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has firmly declared that the nation will not descend into war following a fatal attack on a UN helicopter. He has committed to resolving the crisis peacefully while addressing the rising tensions within the government. The ongoing power struggle between Kiir and first Vice President Riek Machar, along with related ethnic tensions, poses significant challenges to stability in the country.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
