South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir appealed for calm after a deadly attack in Nasir County resulted in 27 fatalities, including a general. The UN helicopters, attempting to evacuate trapped forces, were ambushed, highlighting the fragile peace in the region. Calls for an investigation and dialogue emphasize the need for accountability and stabilization amid ongoing conflicts.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir has called for calm following a violent attack that resulted in the death of 27 individuals, including a general, during an attempt to evacuate trapped South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) officers in Nasir County. The attack occurred when two UN helicopters were targeted after they arrived to assist the SSPDF amid ongoing clashes with the White Army militia, which is allied to the opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition (SPLM/A-IO). President Kiir expressed his deep sorrow over the casualties during a press conference in Juba.
In his remarks, President Kiir emphasized the importance of law and order, urging citizens not to take matters into their own hands. He affirmed his government’s dedication to peace in South Sudan, stating, “Let no one take the law into their own hands. The government, which I lead, will handle this crisis.” He reiterated his stance against rekindling war, stressing that South Sudan must maintain peace and unity.
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, confirmed the death toll and noted that the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an investigation into the incident. Additionally, UNMISS appealed to all parties involved to cease hostilities and urged the leaders of South Sudan to engage in dialogue to alleviate growing tensions.
The unrest in Nasir follows clashes earlier in the week between SSPDF forces and the White Army, which prompted the evacuation of the area and the apprehension of certain army officials loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. The volatile dynamics between Kiir and Machar, stemming from their long-standing rivalry, continue to impact political stability and peace efforts in South Sudan. Experts observe that these recent events highlight the precarious nature of the 2018 peace agreement and the critical need for ongoing dialogue to avert further conflict.
In conclusion, the recent violent attack in Nasir County has resulted in significant loss of life, and President Salva Kiir’s call for calm emphasizes the government’s commitment to peace. The confirmation of the deaths by Minister Michael Makuei Lueth and the UNMISS’s request for an investigation points toward the immediate need for accountability and de-escalation of tensions. The existing political landscape, marked by rivalry and unrest, underscores the fragility of the peace agreement and the necessity for continued dialogue in South Sudan.
Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com