A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, killing one crew member and injuring two. UN officials condemned the incident as a potential war crime, and tensions are rising between President Kiir and Vice President Machar amid accusations of unrest and political maneuvering. The incident threatens the fragile 2018 peace agreement.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the death of a crew member during a rescue operation for soldiers, an incident that has been characterized as a potential war crime. This attack poses a significant threat to the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, amidst escalating clashes between their forces in Upper Nile State.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that their helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract members of the South Sudanese army from hostile territory, leading to one fatality and serious injuries for two other crew members. During the operation, several members of the South Sudanese army, including a general, were also killed.
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the assault on UN personnel, stating that it is “utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.” He expressed condolences for the South Sudanese soldiers they were trying to save amidst the violence.
South Sudan, the youngest nation, has experienced political instability since a civil war concluded in 2018 with a power-sharing deal between Kiir and Machar. Recently, Kiir’s allies have accused Machar’s forces of creating unrest in Upper Nile State, receiving support from the White Army, a coalition of armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group.
Reports indicate that a government garrison was overtaken by rebels, leading to a state of emergency, resulting in arrests of various officials aligned with Machar, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and deputy army chief Gabriel Duop Lam, although one minister was released after a brief detention.
UNMISS described its mission as crucial in addressing the violence in Nasir County, which has led to significant casualties and the displacement of civilians. Diplomatic representatives from the West and the region have expressed concerns about the deteriorating situation, warning that it could undermine the peace agreement that halted a civil war claiming approximately 400,000 lives.
In a joint statement, diplomats urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize dialogue and the welfare of their citizens, as UNMISS emphasized the necessity for all parties to maintain a ceasefire and honor the peace agreement amid growing criticisms of Kiir’s recent political maneuvers, which include dismissing vice-presidents without broader consultation, raising concerns about his consolidation of power.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing instability in South Sudan and the fragility of its peace agreement. With increasing violence and accusations of war crimes, international calls for dialogue and adherence to ceasefire terms become crucial. The situation demands careful monitoring, as it continues to threaten the welfare of civilians and the future of governance in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
