South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has called for calm after an attack on a UN helicopter killed a crew member. This incident threatens the fragile peace agreement with First Vice President Riek Machar. Kiir pledged to handle the crisis responsibly amid escalating violence, while international bodies urged dialogue to prevent further conflict and ensure accountability for the attack.
South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has called for tranquility following the recent attack on a United Nations helicopter that resulted in the death of a crew member. He assured the public that the nation would not return to conflict, emphasizing, “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 plea comes amidst rising tensions stemming from clashes between factions aligned with Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar in the Upper Nile State.
The incident occurred while the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was attempting to extract South Sudanese army personnel, leading to the fatal attack on their helicopter. Two additional crew members were seriously injured, and several South Sudanese army officers also lost their lives. UNMISS suggested that this attack could be classified as a war crime, highlighting the severity of the situation.
President Kiir pledged that his administration would manage the crisis constructively, stating, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” The fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018 between Kiir and Machar is increasingly at risk due to escalating violence and unrest.
Machar’s office condemned the attack as a “barbaric act,” affirming that the restoration of peace in the region is a priority. The UNMISS chief, Nicholas Haysom, expressed abhorrence towards the attack and condemned the loss of life, urging accountability for those responsible. The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, has called for an investigation to identify the perpetrators.
Recent reports indicate a government garrison was overtaken by rebel forces, with further unrest prompting the detention of several officials connected to Machar. These developments raise concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement, which has already been challenged by recent political maneuvers by President Kiir that some view as attempts to consolidate power and undermine Machar.
Analysts warn that the ongoing turbulence may escalate into full-scale war, prompting calls for international support to avert potential ethnic violence. A joint statement from international embassies has urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize dialogue to avert further bloodshed and champion the welfare of their citizens. UNMISS has reiterated the need for adherence to the ceasefire agreement and the protection of civilian populations.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s appeals for calm in South Sudan follow a violent incident involving a UN helicopter, signaling potential threats to the fragile peace established in 2018. With rising tensions between rival factions, international bodies have emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalations. The situation remains precarious as political maneuvers by the government fuel fears of a return to conflict, necessitating vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard peace and stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: punchng.com
