Tragic Relief Mission: UN Helicopter Assault in South Sudan Raises Concerns
A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, resulting in a crew member’s death and drawing condemnation as a possible war crime. The incident threatens a fragile peace between President Kiir and Vice President Machar amid escalating conflicts. UNMISS issued calls for adherence to the ceasefire and for leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue to protect civilians.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during an operation to rescue troops, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others. This event raises concerns regarding potential war crimes, highlighting a precarious power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar amid ongoing violence in the Upper Nile State.
UNMISS reported that their helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese army personnel, leading to fatalities among the army ranks during the failed mission. The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the assault on personnel and remarked on its potential classification as a war crime under international law.
Tensions have escalated in the region, with Kiir’s allies blaming Machar and ethnic Nuer groups for instigating conflict. The government reported that rebels had overrun a garrison, resulting in the survival of only a few soldiers. This prompted numerous arrests of Machar’s associates to control unrest, although some have since been released.
UNMISS’s evacuation efforts aimed to quell the violence that had led to civilian displacement and numerous casualties in Nasir County. Regional and international diplomats expressed concerns about threats to the peace agreement established in 2018, which concluded a civil war that claimed around 400,000 lives.
Embassies from the United States, Britain, and the European Union have called upon South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue and the interests of their citizens. UNMISS urged all parties to maintain their commitment to the ceasefire and uphold the integrity of the peace accord amid criticisms of Kiir’s recent political maneuvers.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious nature of the ongoing power struggle between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. The incident not only highlights the potential for war crimes but also jeopardizes the fragile peace established in 2018. Calls for peaceful dialogue and adherence to the ceasefire agreement reflect the concerns of international diplomats over the unfolding violence and its impact on civilian safety.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
