UN Helicopter Attacked in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan on Friday as tensions escalate between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The UNMISS reported casualties among its crew and South Sudanese army personnel during a failed evacuation mission. President Kiir has urged calm, insisting that the nation will not return to war, while Machar condemned the attack and emphasized peace restoration efforts. Calls for accountability from the international community have intensified in response to the violence.
On Friday, a United Nations (UN) helicopter was targeted in South Sudan amid increasing tensions in the nation. President Salva Kiir emphasized the importance of avoiding a return to conflict, despite ongoing discord with First Vice President Riek Machar regarding a precarious power-sharing arrangement. Hostilities have reportedly erupted in the northeastern Upper Nile State.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed that the helicopter was under fire while attempting to evacuate members of the South Sudanese army, resulting in the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. The mission also reported that a South Sudanese army general and additional officers lost their lives during this precarious operation.
President Kiir called for calm among citizens, reiterating that the country would not revert to war and affirming, “Let no one take the law into their hands.” He expressed confidence in his government’s ability to manage the crisis while remaining committed to peace. Tensions had escalated following a civil war truce in 2018, with allegations against Machar of provoking unrest using the White Army.
Machar’s office condemned the helicopter attack as a “barbaric act” and reiterated the urgent need to restore peace in the region. According to Machar, ongoing dialogue with relevant stakeholders is essential to avoid further conflict. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom described the attack as a potential war crime under international law while expressing regret over the casualties during the evacuation effort.
UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric demanded a thorough investigation into the incident to identify and hold accountable those responsible. Following these events, the government detained several high-ranking officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam, as tensions continue to affect the civilian population severely, resulting in substantial displacement and loss of life.
In summary, the attack on the UN helicopter highlights the escalating tensions in South Sudan amidst a fragile political environment. President Kiir’s call for peace is juxtaposed with ongoing strife between opposing factions. The international community is urged to hold accountable those responsible for the attack, with efforts to restore stability in the region remaining critical to protect civilians and maintain peace. The situation demonstrates the need for urgent diplomatic engagement to mitigate the risk of further violence.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
