A South Sudanese general and dozens of soldiers were killed in an attack on a UN helicopter during a rescue operation in Nasir. The UN condemned the incident, indicating it may constitute a war crime, raising concerns about the stability of a fragile peace agreement. Escalating tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar threaten to exacerbate the conflict, with calls for urgent dialogue to prevent further violence.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers lost their lives following an attack on a United Nations helicopter in Nasir during an evacuation attempt, according to government reports. The United Nations characterized this incident as “utterly abhorrent,” raising concerns about potential war crimes due to ongoing conflicts in the region. The situation threatens the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar, especially amidst escalating tensions in Upper Nile state.
The UN crew aimed to evacuate soldiers amidst heavy fighting between national forces and the White Army militia, associated with Machar. In a national address, President Kiir stated that he had received assurances regarding General Majur Dak’s safety and urged calm among citizens, asserting that his government would manage the crisis without resorting to war.
Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that approximately 27 soldiers, along with a UN crew member, perished in the attack, though it remains unclear whether the helicopter was engaged while airborne or on the ground. South Sudan, having emerged from a civil war in 2018 with a power-sharing agreement, now faces renewed allegations of unrest between Kiir’s allies and Machar’s forces.
While Machar’s spokesperson declined to comment on the attack, previous denials of involvement in the fighting have been made by Machar’s party. UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack, emphasizing the need for accountability and an investigation into the incident. In recent developments, senior military officials associated with Machar have been detained, potentially undermining the peace agreement.
Both the White Army and Machar’s forces have a history of conflict with Kiir’s ethnic Dinka troops, leading analysts to warn of a rapidly escalating situation. Alan Boswell of the International Crisis Group expressed concern over the risk of a large-scale ethnic massacre, calling for the UN to prepare peacekeepers to protect civilians. The UN has urged leaders to resolve tensions through dialogue, highlighting the fragile security environment in South Sudan, which has a substantial peacekeeping presence since its independence in 2011.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, including the death of a South Sudanese general, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region and potential threats to the fragile peace process. The incident necessitates immediate interventions and investigations to prevent further violence and protect civilian lives. As the situation deteriorates, the international community and the UN are called upon to engage actively in de-escalation efforts. Overall, the ongoing unrest underscores the precarious nature of South Sudan’s stability post-civil war.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
