A UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan was interrupted by gunfire, resulting in multiple deaths, including one crew member and a general. The situation destabilizes the fragile peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.
A tragic incident in South Sudan occurred during a United Nations evacuation attempt, resulting in multiple fatalities. A UN helicopter came under fire, leading to the death of one crew member and several casualties among South Sudanese troops, including an injured general. President Salva Kiir reported a second helicopter’s crash following the attack but the UN has yet to confirm this.
The situation in Upper Nile state has been precarious, threatening the fragile peace deal established between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Previous tensions between the leaders led to a devastating civil war from 2013 to 2018, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives and displacing millions. Since the signing of a peace agreement, the region has experienced ongoing violence attributed to conflicts between armed forces and ethnic militias such as the White Army.
UN Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) Director Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack on UN personnel, asserting that it might be classified as a war crime under international law. The UN deeply mourns the loss of their colleague and the individuals they sought to rescue. Amid rising violence, key allies of Machar have faced recent arrests, heightening fears of a return to war. In response to the turmoil, President Kiir has urged calm among the populace, emphasizing his commitment to resolving the crisis peacefully.
In summary, the recent shooting incident during a UN evacuation in South Sudan resulted in tragic casualties amid escalating violence in the Upper Nile region. The tensions risk undermining the delicate peace agreement established between the national leaders, while ongoing conflicts and new arrests increase the likelihood of further instability. The international community and local authorities must work collaboratively to ensure peace and security.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
