UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan Marks Tensions in Peace Efforts

A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, killing a crew member and aggravating tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. Kiir called for calm, emphasizing peace, as accusations of unrest and political maneuvering arise. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to preserve the fragile peace established after the civil war.

On Friday, South Sudan’s president appealed for calm following the attack on a United Nations helicopter during a rescue mission, which resulted in the death of a crew member. President Salva Kiir assured the public that the country would “not go back to war” amidst escalating tensions stemming from a fragile power-sharing agreement with First Vice President Riek Machar. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported the helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract South Sudanese army members, resulting in fatalities and serious injuries.

UNMISS stated that a general and other officers were killed during the rescue attempt, indicating that the attack could amount to a war crime. President Kiir emphasized, “Let no one take law into their hands,” and asserted the government’s commitment to manage the crisis and maintain peace. The power-sharing framework, established in 2018 to end a five-year civil war, has recently been challenged by violence in the Upper Nile State.

In a statement issued late Friday, Machar’s office condemned the attack as a “barbaric act,” affirming that restoring peace in the region remains a priority. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack on peacekeepers, noting it may constitute a war crime under international law, and expressed regret over the loss of life among those they sought to rescue. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for an investigation to hold accountable those responsible for the assault.

Earlier this week, the rebels overran a government garrison in the area, leading to a crackdown by Kiir’s government on Machar’s supporters in Juba, including the arrest of high-profile figures such as Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol. UNMISS highlighted that the evacuation mission aimed to alleviate violence in Nasir County, which has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and displacement.

Diplomatic entities from the U.S., Britain, and the European Union urged the leaders in Juba to prioritize peace dialogue and protect the integrity of the peace agreement. Recent political maneuvers by President Kiir, perceived as consolidating power at Machar’s expense, have contributed to increased fears of conflict resurgence. Analysts caution that South Sudan is dangerously edging towards a renewed war, prompting calls for international intervention to avert potential ethnic violence.

The escalation of violence in South Sudan following the UN helicopter attack signifies grave threats to the hard-won peace established in 2018. Both President Kiir and First Vice President Machar face immense pressure to restore order amidst claims of political maneuvering that risks further destabilization. Urgent diplomatic efforts and accountability for the violence are crucial in preventing a return to widespread conflict in the region.

Original Source: www.voanews.com