South Sudan President Urges Calm Following Deadly Attack on UN Helicopter

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir called for calm after a violent attack resulted in 27 deaths, including military personnel and UN staff, in Nasir County. He emphasized the commitment to peace and urged citizens not to take justice into their own hands. The UN has called for an investigation into the incident while reinforcing dialogue to prevent further violence.

On Friday, South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for tranquility following a brutal assault on government forces and a United Nations helicopter, which resulted in 27 fatalities in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. Among the deceased were an army general and several officers. The attack occurred as the UN attempted to evacuate South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) personnel who were embroiled in conflict with the White Army, a militia affiliated with the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO).

Kiir conveyed his condolences to the nation, revealing that two UN helicopters had come under fire during the rescue mission. Tragically, General Majur Dak and other officers were lost during this operation, with only one pilot surviving to tell the tale. One helicopter managed to take flight but later crash-landed in Malakal, resulting in additional fatalities. The president emphasized the need for the public to refrain from vigilante actions and reiterated his commitment to maintaining nationwide peace.

Reassuring citizens, Kiir stated, “I am appealing to you to remain calm. I have said time and again that our country will not go back to war,” signifying his government’s dedication to resolving the crisis peacefully. Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the death toll and noted the involvement of UN personnel in the incident.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) responded by demanding a thorough investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the violence. UNMISS called upon all parties to exercise restraint and urged national leaders to engage in dialogue to mitigate tensions and avert further security deterioration.

Hostilities erupted in Nasir earlier this week, alarming developments that resulted in the evacuation of SSPDF forces and the detention of several army officers loyal to the SPLM/A-IO, led by First Vice President Riek Machar. Machar, whose historical rivalry with Kiir has sparked civil conflict, criticized the removal of his allies from governmental roles, warning that this threatens the fragile 2018 peace agreement designed to end protracted civil strife.

Analysts maintain that the recent clashes epitomize the precarious state of South Sudan’s peace accord and underscore the necessity for ongoing dialogue to avert escalation of violence and conflict.

In summary, President Salva Kiir’s calls for calm following the violent attack in Nasir County illustrate the ongoing tensions within South Sudan. With significant casualties amongst government forces and UN personnel, the president’s emphasis on peace and restraint is vital for maintaining stability. The need for investigations and dialogue among all parties involved is paramount to safeguard the fragile peace established in the 2018 agreement.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com