UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan: A Call for Accountability and Peace
A UN helicopter in South Sudan was attacked during an evacuation mission, killing a crew member and injuring others. Over two dozen soldiers, including an injured General, reportedly died in the assault. UNMISS condemned the attack, citing it may constitute a war crime, and called for accountability and political dialogue to avert further violence and uphold peace agreements.
On Friday, a UN helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate injured South Sudanese soldiers in Upper Nile State. The attack resulted in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others, alongside the reported fatalities of over two dozen South Sudanese military personnel, including an injured General. Despite the assault, the helicopter managed to land safely after coming under fire in Nasir.
The helicopter evacuation was initiated at the request of the signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which aims to promote peace and end the ongoing civil conflict in South Sudan. This operation is part of UNMISS’ efforts to mitigate violence in Nasir and alleviate rising political tensions amidst recent clashes between government troops and armed youth—encounters that have led to significant casualties and civilian displacement.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, labeling it as “utterly abhorrent” and possibly constituting a war crime under international law. He expressed sorrow over the loss of UN personnel and military evacuees, emphasizing that assurances of safe passage had been received prior to the incident. Haysom called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable.
In the wake of this attack, UNMISS urged all parties to abstain from further violence and emphasized the need for political leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve tensions. The Mission highlighted the critical importance of adhering to the ceasefire and protecting the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
This incident reflects the broader instability in Upper Nile State, which has experienced months of violent conflicts, resulting in significant displacement of populations. The challenging terrain and ongoing armed activities have hindered humanitarian access. Notably, the clashes, which erupted on February 14 between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and armed youth, have resulted in injuries to both civilians and combatants, including an UNMISS patrol that faced mortar shelling during these violent encounters.
The attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan represents a severe violation of international law and underscores ongoing instability in the Upper Nile State. The incident highlights the urgent need for accountability and emphasizes the importance of dialogue among political leaders to manage and resolve conflicts. Continued violence jeopardizes the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, urging the international community to support efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
