A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in casualties amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar over a power-sharing deal. President Kiir called for calm and reaffirmed his commitment to peace. In response to the attack, Machar’s office condemned the act, while UN leadership emphasized the need for an investigation regarding accountability.
On Friday, a UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan amidst rising tensions in the country. President Salva Kiir has emphasized that South Sudan cannot afford to revert to war, as his administration grapples with First Vice President Riek Machar over a contentious power-sharing agreement, particularly in the northeastern Upper Nile State where clashes have erupted.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that its helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract South Sudanese army personnel from the conflict area, resulting in the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. In the course of this failed mission, a South Sudanese army general and several officers were also killed.
President Kiir urged the public to remain calm, reaffirming his commitment to peace: “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.” He reassured citizens that his government would manage the crisis effectively and maintain a focus on peace.
Despite the civil war’s conclusion in 2018, tensions between Kiir and Machar have intensified, with accusations from Kiir’s faction that Machar is instigating unrest through the White Army. In response to the helicopter attack, Machar’s office condemned the incident as a “barbaric act,” committing to engage stakeholders to avert further violence while underscoring the urgency to restore peace in the region.
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, labeled the attack on UN personnel as “utterly abhorrent,” suggesting it might constitute a war crime, and expressed regret over the fatalities. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible. In light of the crisis, the government has detained several officials, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, to address the escalating tensions and significant civilian displacement resulting from ongoing conflicts.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragility of the peace established between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. As both leaders face mounting tensions over power-sharing, Kiir remains determined to prevent a return to war, while Machar seeks to engage stakeholders to maintain peace. The UN continues to call for accountability and investigations into the incident, highlighting the need for stability in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
