UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan Claims Lives of General and Soldiers
A South Sudanese general and several soldiers were killed in an attack on a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate them from Nasir. The incident, condemned as abhorrent by the UN, threatens the fragile peace process as clashes between President Salva Kiir’s and Riek Machar’s forces escalate. Calls for dialogue and investigation into the attack are intensifying amid fears of a return to civil war.
A recent attack on a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and dozens of soldiers. The helicopter was attempting to evacuate personnel from the town of Nasir amidst violent clashes between national forces and a militia known as the White Army, which is associated with Riek Machar, the first vice-president and a key political rival to President Salva Kiir. The UN condemned the incident as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, potentially jeopardizing the precarious peace process in the region.
The situation in Upper Nile state remains volatile, with recent conflicts threatening the power-sharing agreement established in 2018 that concluded a five-year civil war. President Kiir reported the death of General Majur Dak, emphasizing that assurances had been provided regarding the general’s safety. He urged calm among citizens, reiterating the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the country and vowing to address the ongoing crisis.
According to the Information Minister Michael Makuei, approximately 27 troops were killed, alongside a UN crew member, while details regarding whether the helicopter was targeted in flight or on the ground remain unclear. Tensions have been heightened as accusations arise against Machar’s forces for inciting unrest in Nasir county, a situation exacerbated by the ethnic loyalties tied to the ongoing conflicts.
The head of the UN mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, called for an investigation into the incident, expressing deep regret over the loss of life during the evacuation efforts. The political landscape is further complicated by recent arrests of senior officials associated with Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the peace deal from 2018. The White Army, with historic ties to Machar’s forces, plays a significant role in the overarching conflict with Kiir’s Dinka-aligned troops.
Experts warn that escalating tensions may ignite a full-blown war, with Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group noting the urgent need for UN peacekeeping interventions. The organization underscores the importance of dialogue among leaders to relieve rising tensions in Nasir and across South Sudan. The UN has maintained a peacekeeping presence in the nation since its independence, employing nearly 20,000 personnel from 73 participating countries.
The attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan, which resulted in significant loss of life, underscores the fragility of the country’s peace process. Amid escalating tensions between rival factions, the incident poses serious implications for the stability of the region. Calls for dialogue and investigations into the attack have emerged, as the international community remains concerned about the risk of descending into a renewed civil conflict. Both the UN and South Sudanese leadership must act decisively to prevent further violence and ensure the safety of civilians.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
