UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan: General and Soldiers Killed

A UN helicopter attack in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of a general and approximately 27 soldiers. The UN condemned the incident as potentially a war crime, stressing concerns for the fragile peace process. Tensions remain high due to recent clashes and detentions of officials allied with Riek Machar, leading to fears of renewed conflict in the region.

A tragic incident unfolded in South Sudan as a UN helicopter became the target of an attack while attempting to relocate soldiers from the northern town of Nasir. Among the casualties was a South Sudanese general, and the government has reported the deaths of approximately 27 soldiers. This action has raised grave concerns regarding the fragile state of peace in the region, with the United Nations categorizing the assault as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime.

The helicopter’s crew was engaged in a rescue mission following significant clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, which has ties to Riek Machar, the First Vice President and rival of President Salva Kiir. President Kiir stated that Machar had previously assured him of the general’s safety, prompting the helicopter’s deployment to Nasir. It remains uncertain whether the helicopter was attacked while airborne or stationed on the ground.

The head of the UN Mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, expressed deep regret over the fatalities, emphasizing the necessity of determining accountability for the attack. Meanwhile, Machar’s spokesman refrained from commenting directly on the incident but indicated that his party denies involvement in the recent hostilities. Tension escalates as security forces have detained several senior officials allied with Machar, posing a threat to the fragile 2018 peace agreement that concluded years of civil strife.

The White Army, largely composed of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, played a significant role alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war from 2013 to 2018. Although President Kiir asserted that a return to war is undesirable, analysts caution that the rising tensions may lead to renewed conflict. The UN has urged all parties to avoid further violence and called for immediate dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to manage the situation effectively. Since the end of the civil war, South Sudan has maintained a fragile peace, marked by frequently erupting clashes between rival communities. The UN mission, established after the country’s independence in 2011, deploys nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 nations to help maintain stability.

In conclusion, the attack on the UN helicopter highlights the precarious state of peace in South Sudan following years of civil conflict. The loss of a general and numerous soldiers on a mission that was believed to be safe emphasizes the ongoing tensions between opposing factions. Furthermore, detentions of key officials add another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation, prompting urgent calls for dialogue and accountability to prevent further violence and ensure stability in the region.

Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au