A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, killing General Majur Dak and around 27 soldiers. The incident, linked to ongoing conflicts in Nasir, may be considered a war crime. The UN has condemned the attack, urging accountability and dialogue to de-escalate tensions. Recent detentions of military officials threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, amidst frequent clashes in the region.
A tragic attack on a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese general and dozens of soldiers. The incident occurred during an attempt to relocate the general and his men from Nasir, which has recently seen violent clashes between government forces and the White Army militia. The United Nations condemned the attack, characterizing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime.
The helicopter was engaged in an airlift operation amid ongoing conflicts in Nasir. President Salva Kiir announced the fatalities of General Majur Dak and several soldiers, noting that assurances for their safety had been given prior to the mission. Approximately 27 troops perished during the incident, which remains under investigation to ascertain whether the helicopter was attacked in flight or while on the ground.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom expressed deep regret over the loss of life, emphasizing the need for accountability and an investigation into the attack. Additionally, the political situation remains precarious, with tensions heightened by the recent detention of senior military officials allied with First Vice President Riek Machar, which threatens the fragile peace established in 2018.
Approximately twenty thousand peacekeepers from 73 nations comprise the UN mission in South Sudan, established after the country gained independence in 2011. Although the peace deal concluded a devastating civil war, ongoing clashes between rival factions continue to pose significant risks to stability.
In light of the escalating violence, the United Nations has called on all parties to halt aggression and engage in dialogue to resolve the evolving tensions throughout South Sudan.
In conclusion, the attack on the UN helicopter signifies a critical escalation in the conflict within South Sudan, resulting in significant military casualties and further endangering the fragile peace process. The international community, led by the United Nations, calls for an urgent investigation into the attack, accountability for perpetrators, and a commitment to dialogue between the nation’s leaders to prevent further violence and instability. The situation remains fraught, with the potential to derail the hard-won peace established in 2018.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
