A UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan resulted in multiple casualties after a helicopter was attacked. One crew member was killed, alongside several troops, and a second helicopter later crashed. The incident raises grave concerns about the stability of peace in South Sudan, which has been marred by violence and political tensions since its independence in 2011.
In South Sudan, a tragic incident occurred during a United Nations evacuation attempt, resulting in the loss of several lives. A UN helicopter was attacked, leading to the death of one crew member and several South Sudanese troops during the evacuation in Upper Nile state. The UN reported that among the casualties was an injured South Sudanese general, contributing to the growing concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the region.
President Salva Kiir confirmed that a second UN helicopter took off after the initial attack but subsequently crashed, resulting in the fatalities of all aboard. Although the UN has not validated Kiir’s statement, they noted that the assault on their personnel could potentially be classified as a war crime under international law. This event intensifies worries regarding the stability of the already fragile peace deal between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
The origins of the current unrest stem from fighting between the national army and the White Army ethnic militia, which had supported Machar during the previous civil war. The UN mission, UNMISS, has been involved in evacuations of wounded troops due to the ongoing violence. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of life and emphasizing that the violence may potentially constitute a war crime.
Amid the fighting, concerns about a potential return to war have emerged due to recent arrests of Machar’s allies, including high-ranking officials. President Kiir has called for calm in the nation, reiterating his commitment to prevent a return to conflict and assuring citizens that the government will manage the crisis effectively.
Since its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has faced significant challenges, including a civil war that resulted in approximately 400,000 deaths and millions displaced. The delicate peace agreement established in 2018 continues to be threatened by ongoing violence and political tensions, making the situation in South Sudan increasingly precarious.
The UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan has led to significant casualties, raising serious concerns regarding ongoing violence and the stability of peace in the nation. With governmental and militia forces clashing, coupled with the threats of potential war crimes, South Sudan’s already fragile peace is in jeopardy. President Kiir’s call for calm reflects the urgent need to manage the escalating crisis as the country navigates the aftermath of conflict and unrest.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
