Violence Disrupts UN Evacuation Attempts in South Sudan
A UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan was disrupted by gunfire, resulting in multiple killings, including the death of a crew member. President Kiir reported that a second UN helicopter crash-landed, killing all aboard. The attack raises concerns about war crimes, amidst ongoing ethnic violence and heightened tensions between armed groups in the region.
In South Sudan, a UN evacuation attempt was marred by violence, resulting in multiple fatalities. The incident began when a UN helicopter came under gunfire, killing one crew member and injuring a South Sudanese general, along with other military personnel, as reported by the UN Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss).
According to President Salva Kiir, a second UN helicopter was able to take off following the attack but tragically crash-landed, resulting in the deaths of all on board. Although the UN has not confirmed Kiir’s account, the mission stated that the assault on the helicopter “may constitute a war crime.”
The conflict in Upper Nile has escalated, threatening a fragile peace agreement established in 2018 between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Historical tensions between these leaders previously ignited a five-year civil war that claimed 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million individuals.
Currently, fighting involves South Sudan’s armed forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia that aligned with Machar during the civil war. Unmiss has been evacuating injured soldiers from the area as part of coordination with both the White Army and South Sudan’s military.
Unmiss head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack on mission personnel, deeming it “utterly abhorrent” and a potential violation of international law. He expressed condolences for the tragic losses incurred during the operation.
President Kiir identified the deceased army general as Gen Majur Dak, who led the forces in Nasir, a location within Upper Nile. Concurrently, a series of arrests has prompted fears of a return to full-scale warfare in South Sudan, including the detention of key allies of Machar. After the attack, Kiir implored the populace to “remain calm,” assuring that his government would manage the crisis effectively.
The recent shooting incident in South Sudan during a UN evacuation highlights the escalating violence in the region, jeopardizing already fragile peace arrangements. With multiple fatalities and rising tensions between armed factions, serious concerns linger about the potential for renewed conflict. The leadership remains committed to addressing the crisis while advocating for national calm.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
