Clashes in South Sudan resulted in significant casualties after an attempted UN evacuation was attacked, leading to deaths among soldiers and UN personnel. The UN termed the assault potentially a war crime. The ongoing violence threatens the fragile peace established between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar, raising concerns of a return to civil war.
Recent clashes in South Sudan have resulted in significant casualties, following an attempt by the United Nations (UN) to evacuate national army members. A UN helicopter was reportedly shot down, leading to the death of a crew member and injuries to a South Sudanese general. The UN has classified the assault on its helicopter as potentially constituting a war crime,
The South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir, reported that a second helicopter, which had taken off after the attack, crashed, resulting in the loss of all aboard. However, the UN mission assertion claims both aircraft landed safely in Malakal. According to the Information Minister Michael Makuei, a total of twenty-seven South Sudanese soldiers have died from the conflicts during this evacuation attempt.
Prolonged fighting in Upper Nile has destabilized the peace deal between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, originally signed in 2018 after a civil war that resulted in 400,000 deaths and millions displaced. The White Army, an ethnic militia allied with Machar, is currently engaged in these conflicts alongside the armed forces.
In a statement, UN mission head Nicholas Haysom condemned the violence against their personnel, calling it “extremely abhorrent” and expressing condolences for the lives lost. He emphasized the regrettable nature of the incident, especially after receiving assurances for safe passage during evacuation efforts.
Army General Majur Dak, stationed in Nasir, was identified as one of the casualties in this brutal attack. Concerns are growing about a potential return to civil war, following the arrest of several allies of Machar, including the oil minister and a senior army general. In light of these developments, President Kiir has urged citizens to remain peaceful, assuring them that his government will manage the crisis effectively. Notably, South Sudan emerged as the world’s newest nation in 2011 after gaining independence from Sudan.
The recent violence in South Sudan highlights the fragility of the peace process and the potential for renewed conflict. High casualty figures following attacks on UN personnel underscore the urgency for international intervention and adherence to peace agreements. President Kiir’s call for calm and the management of the crisis reflect the government’s commitment to preventing further escalation, amid growing tensions and historical context of violence between political factions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
