On a recent rescue mission, a UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in one crew member’s death. President Salva Kiir urged calm, asserting the nation would not return to war amidst rising tensions between rival forces. The UN claims that the attack might constitute a war crime, as diplomatic calls for accountability and peace efforts intensify.
During a recent rescue mission in South Sudan, a United Nations helicopter was attacked, leading to the death of a crew member and severe injuries to two others. President Salva Kiir called for calm, asserting that South Sudan will not regress to war, despite ongoing tensions due to clashes between rival forces. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract South Sudanese army personnel from a conflict zone.
The precarious power-sharing arrangement between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has been jeopardized by these recent hostilities. UNMISS indicated that key military personnel from the South Sudanese army were killed during the failed operation. Such violence may amount to war crimes, the U.N. stated, emphasizing the severity of the incident. President Kiir reiterated his commitment to peace, highlighting the government’s responsibility in maintaining stability amidst the unrest.
In response to the attack, Machar’s office denounced the incident, labeling it a “barbaric act” while urging efforts to restore peace in the region, underscoring his involvement with all stakeholders to mitigate further violence. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, expressed profound regret over the loss of life and condemned the attack against UN personnel, calling for accountability.
Tensions escalated as Kiir’s government apprehended several of Machar’s supporters in Juba following rebel advancements. UNMISS’s evacuation operation aimed to quell violence in Nasir County, where significant casualties and displacement occurred. Diplomatic bodies from various countries cautioned that the latest developments pose a threat to the fragile peace agreement established in 2018, which concluded a devastating civil war in South Sudan.
Regional and Western diplomats urged Juba leaders to foster peaceful dialogue prioritizing the welfare of the South Sudanese populace. Furthermore, UNMISS called on all parties to commit to upholding the ceasefire and honoring the integrity of the peace agreement. The potential for increased hostilities looms large as critics allege that Kiir’s recent political maneuvers aim to strengthen his hold on power and marginalize his rival, Machar.
The International Crisis Group warned of an impending crisis, emphasizing the need for U.N. peacekeeping measures to avert massive civilian casualties. In a joint statement, diplomats from multiple nations condemned the attack and advocated for high-level dialogue to prevent escalated violence and loss of life in South Sudan.
In conclusion, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan has intensified existing tensions within the fragile political landscape. President Kiir’s reassurances of peace stand in stark contrast to the violent realities on the ground, which threaten the 2018 power-sharing agreement. Diplomatic pressures and calls for accountability continue to mount, as both domestic and international stakeholders seek to prevent a resurgence of widespread violence. With concerns of an imminent crisis, the situation demands urgent intervention to protect civilian lives and restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
