A UN helicopter’s attack in South Sudan led to the deaths of a general and many soldiers, threatening the peace process. The incident has drawn condemnation from the UN as a potential war crime. Escalating tensions between rival forces may lead to renewed conflict, prompting calls for urgent dialogue to prevent further violence.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers tragically lost their lives when a United Nations helicopter, attempting to evacuate them from Nasir, came under attack. This incident could severely undermine the fragile peace process that has recently been established in the region. The United Nations condemned the situation, describing the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and a potential war crime, highlighting the urgency of addressing such violence.
The UN helicopter aimed to airlift soldiers after fierce clashes between the national forces and the White Army militia, which the government associates with forces loyal to Riek Machar, the first vice-president. President Salva Kiir reported during a national address that assurances were made regarding the general’s safety prior to the rescue mission.
In his speech, President Kiir urged citizens to remain calm, stating, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.” He reinforced his commitment to handling the crisis and maintaining peace in South Sudan.
The information minister reported that approximately 27 troops had died in the incident, alongside a UN crew member. There remains uncertainty about whether the helicopter was attacked airborne or on the ground. The tensions surrounding this event threaten the power-sharing agreement established in 2018 between Kiir and Machar.
Riek Machar’s spokesperson declined to comment on the attack, while Machar’s party previously denied involvement in the recent fighting. The head of the United Nations mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, characterized the attack as abhorrent, emphasizing the need for an investigation into the matter.
Compounding the crisis, Machar’s forces have made claims regarding the arrests of key government officials, including the petroleum and peacebuilding ministers, which could endanger the existing peace deal. The White Army previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war against Kiir’s ethnically Dinka troops.
Analysts warn that escalating tensions could lead South Sudan into further conflict. Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group indicated that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, urging the UN to deploy peacekeepers to prevent potential large-scale violence. The UN continues to call for dialogue among leaders to mitigate the security risks present in South Sudan.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of a general and numerous soldiers, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing violence and instability within the country. This incident has raised serious concerns about the fragile peace process established after the civil war. With rising tensions between government forces and militias, there are fears of a return to full-scale conflict, necessitating urgent intervention and dialogue among all parties involved.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
