UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan Raises War Crime Concerns
A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while attempting to rescue soldiers, resulting in one crew member’s death. The incident is viewed as a possible war crime and exacerbates tensions stemming from clashes between forces loyal to President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Evacuation attempts highlighted the pressing concerns over civilian casualties and the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan was attacked, resulting in the death of a crew member during a rescue operation for South Sudanese soldiers. This incident has raised concerns as it may constitute a war crime under international law, according to UN officials. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that their team was targeted while attempting to evacuate members of the South Sudanese army from a conflict zone.
The precarious power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar has recently faced challenges due to clashes between their forces in Upper Nile State. Amid the ongoing unrest, UNMISS stated that the situation led to significant civilian displacement and casualties as a result of violent confrontations in Nasir County.
In the aftermath of the attack, which also claimed the lives of a South Sudanese army general and other officers, UNMISS expressed deep regret. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, stating, “The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.”
The violent occurrence has heightened tensions in South Sudan, as Kiir’s allies have accused Machar’s forces of instigating violence. The government launched a series of arrests of Machar’s associates, including high-ranking officials. Reports indicate that a rebel group overran a government garrison earlier in the week, with ongoing fighting reported.
Diplomats from the region and the West have cautioned that these developments jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement that concluded a devastating civil war, which resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities. In a joint statement, several embassies emphasized the need for Juba-based leaders to prioritize the interests of the South Sudanese people and uphold peace commitments. UNMISS reiterated the necessity for all parties to maintain a ceasefire and protect the peace accord.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the volatility of the situation in the region and the potential implications for the fragile peace process. International condemnation of the attack reflects a broader concern over escalating violence and its impact on civilian safety. To prevent further deterioration, it is imperative for South Sudanese leaders to commit to dialogue and adherence to the peace agreement established in 2018, which aimed to stabilize the country following years of conflict.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
