A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The incident resulted in one death and serious injuries to crew members during an extraction mission. Despite previous peace agreements, allegations and confrontations continue, necessitating investigations and urgent peace efforts.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan amidst rising tensions within the nation, as President Salva Kiir emphasized that the country cannot afford a return to war. The ongoing discord centers around a fragile power-sharing agreement between Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, alongside reported clashes in Upper Nile State.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was on a mission to extract South Sudanese army personnel when it came under fire, resulting in one crew member’s death and two others sustaining serious injuries. Additionally, it was noted that several officers from the South Sudanese army were also killed during this operation.
President Kiir called for calm among citizens, insisting, “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”. He reassured the public that his government would efficiently manage the ongoing crisis and maintain its commitment to peace.
Although a civil war ended in 2018 with a peace agreement between Kiir and Machar, tensions have reignited in recent months, with accusations from Kiir’s faction against Machar of inciting violence using the White Army. In response to the attack, Machar’s office condemned the act and reiterated efforts to restore regional peace, highlighting engagement with various stakeholders to avert further violence.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, described the attack on UN personnel as “utterly abhorrent” and a potential war crime under international law, also expressing regret over the loss of life during the mission. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable the perpetrators. In the wake of the incident, South Sudan’s government has detained several high-ranking officials amid the escalating situation, which has caused significant civilian displacement and casualties.
The recent UN helicopter attack in South Sudan underscores the escalating tensions linked to the fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Both leaders face a significant challenge in preventing a return to conflict while addressing accusations and violence among their factions. The international community’s call for thorough investigations highlights the gravity of the situation, affirming the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
