Attack on UN Helicopter in South Sudan Raises Concerns Over Stability
A U.N. helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, resulting in one death. President Kiir urged calm amidst rising tensions threatening a fragile peace agreement with Vice President Machar. The incident, potentially a war crime, highlights increasing violence and instability in the region, prompting calls for dialogue and accountability from the international community.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during a rescue mission in South Sudan, resulting in the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. This incident raises grave concerns amid escalating clashes in Upper Nile State that threaten the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, established to end a five-year civil war in 2018. Kiir called for calm, asserting that the nation would not return to war and pledging to handle the crisis.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that during the attempted extraction of South Sudanese army personnel, a South Sudanese army general and other officials were also killed. UNMISS described the helicopter attack as potentially constituting a war crime. President Kiir reassured citizens by stating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.”
The government has accused Machar’s forces of instigating unrest in Nasir County, collaborating with the White Army, a group of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic community. Responding to the helicopter attack, Machar’s office condemned the incident as a “barbaric act,” emphasizing that prioritizing peace in the region remains critical.
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, labeled the attack on U.N. personnel as “utterly abhorrent,” and called for accountability. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also demanded an investigation into the attack to identify and punish those responsible. In a swift governmental response, Kiir’s administration arrested several of Machar’s allies in Juba, highlighting tensions between the two leaders.
The situation in Nasir County has led to significant casualties and civilian displacements, prompting U.N. and diplomatic calls to uphold the ceasefire and protect the peace agreement established in 2018. Concerns are mounting as recent political maneuvers by Kiir to consolidate his power have been criticized for potentially increasing hostile tensions, with fears that the country may revert to full-scale war. The International Crisis Group warns that without intervention, South Sudan risks facing ethnic massacres.
In the face of this turmoil, a coalition of embassies, including those of Canada, the United States, and the European Union, have urged the highest-level dialogue to prevent further violence and loss of life, emphasizing the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
In summary, the attack on the U.N. helicopter during a rescue mission underscores the escalating violence and instability in South Sudan. President Kiir and First Vice President Machar’s tenuous power-sharing agreement faces critical challenges as tensions rise. The international community has called for accountability and dialogue to restore peace, emphasizing the dire need to avert a return to war and protect civilian lives.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
