A U.N. helicopter attack in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of a general and dozens of soldiers, amidst escalating tensions between national forces and the White Army. The U.N. condemned the attack, noting it could constitute a war crime. Calls for investigation and dialogue have been made following recent detentions of senior officials allied with Riek Machar, raising concerns about the fragile peace following the 2018 agreement.
An attack on a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers. The U.N. was attempting to evacuate them from the northern town of Nasir, where clashes had intensified between national forces and the White Army militia, a group linked to First Vice President Riek Machar’s allies. The U.N. labeled the event as “utterly abhorrent” and suggested it could constitute a war crime, indicating significant repercussions for the fragile peace process.
During a national address, President Salva Kiir confirmed the death of General Majur Dak and reported that approximately 27 troops had been killed, along with a U.N. crew member. The circumstances surrounding the helicopter attack remain unclear, as it is uncertain if the helicopter was struck while airborne or on the ground. Meanwhile, Machar’s spokesperson has not commented on the incident while his party denies any involvement in the recent hostilities in Nasir.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed deep regret over the attack. Head Nicholas Haysom emphasized the urgency for an investigation into the matter to ensure accountability for those responsible. The incident comes in the wake of security forces detaining several key officials aligned with Machar, raising concerns about the 2018 peace accord that had previously concluded a civil war.
The White Army, predominantly comprising armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, had allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war against the Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. Despite Kiir’s assurances that South Sudan would not return to war, analysts caution that the rising tensions may trigger another conflict. The U.N. has called for all parties to desist from violence and urged leaders to address the escalating tensions through dialogue.
South Sudan has officially been at peace since the 2018 agreement, which ended five years of conflict that claimed approximately 400,000 lives. However, disputes between communities still frequently arise, illustrating a precarious stability in the nation. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, the U.N. mission has deployed nearly 20,000 peacekeepers across South Sudan, attempting to maintain peace and security in the region.
The attack on the U.N. helicopter in South Sudan exemplifies the ongoing instability and fragility of peace in the nation. With significant casualties, including a high-ranking general, this incident underscores the urgent need for accountability and a concerted effort to address rising tensions among rival factions. The potential threat to the 2018 peace agreement poses risks for the future, prompting calls from the U.N. for dialogue and restraint to prevent further violence.
Original Source: news.az
