Violence in South Sudan: UN Helicopter Attack and Escalating Conflict

In South Sudan, one UN helicopter was shot down, resulting in casualties including a crew member. President Kiir reported a second helicopter crash, while the UN described the attack as potentially a war crime. The ongoing conflict threatens a fragile peace deal between military factions, and recent arrests of political allies raise concerns about renewed violence. President Kiir urged calm amid escalating tensions.

In South Sudan, a tragic escalation of violence led to the deaths of numerous individuals, including a crew member from a United Nations helicopter. The UN, through its mission in South Sudan, confirmed that an evacuation attempt was ambushed, resulting in the death of a South Sudanese general and several other troops. This incident raised alarms within the international community, with the UN stating that the attack could be considered a war crime.

President Salva Kiir reported that a second helicopter, which took off after the attack, crash-landed, leading to the deaths of all individuals on board. However, the UN mission clarified that both aircraft landed safely in Malakal. The South Sudanese Information Minister, Michael Makuei, estimated a total of twenty-seven casualties among South Sudanese forces.

Ongoing fighting in Upper Nile threatens the fragile peace agreement established between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, following previous civil conflict that resulted in mass casualties and displacement. While a peace agreement was signed in 2018, tensions remain high, especially as clashes continue between the South Sudan Army and the White Army militia, which allied with Machar during the civil war.

In response to the violence, Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN mission, condemned the attack on UN personnel, characterizing it as “extremely abhorrent” and indicating the potential for legal repercussions under international law. President Kiir noted the death of General Majur Dak, who was stationed at Nasir in Upper Nile.

Amid these conflicts, the South Sudanese authorities have detained key allies of Machar, raising concerns about a possible return to war. Following the attack on Friday, President Kiir urged citizens to maintain calm, reinforcing his commitment to prevent a descent into further conflict, stating that the government will manage the crisis. South Sudan has been the world’s newest nation since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011.

The recent violence in South Sudan underscores the fragility of the peace process established after years of civil conflict, with ongoing battles threatening political stability. The UN’s acknowledgment of the possibility of war crimes highlights the severity of the situation, while the government’s efforts to address unrest and maintain order are of utmost importance. The international community must closely monitor developments to support a sustainable resolution to the turmoil.

Original Source: www.bbc.com