A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in one crew member’s death and injuries to two others. The incident highlights escalating violence between government forces and an armed group affiliated with Vice President Riek Machar, threatening a fragile peace deal. President Salva Kiir called for calm amidst recent tensions that jeopardize the country’s stability, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue and cooperation for peace.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuring two others. This incident occurred during an evacuation mission in the Nasir area of Upper Nile state and serves to highlight the deteriorating security situation amidst rising violence that threatens a fragile peace agreement between the nation’s leaders.
The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was targeted while it attempted to evacuate government troops. President Salva Kiir confirmed in a statement that General Majur Dak, along with several soldiers, were among those killed during the incident. Kiir urged citizens to remain calm and assured them that his government would manage the crisis and uphold peace efforts.
Recently, clashes between government forces and the armed group known as the White Army have escalated in Nasir. This group is believed to have affiliations with Vice President Riek Machar. Military confrontations have left Dak and his troops confined in their defenses since early March, leading to the decision to send the helicopter for their rescue.
The attack on the UN helicopter further complicates the already fragile situation, stemming from the peace deal signed in 2018 between the often-opposing leaders, Kiir and Machar, which aimed to conclude a civil war that had resulted in over 400,000 fatalities. The ongoing rivalry, characterized by mistrust, notably impacts prospects for lasting peace in South Sudan.
Tensions have simmered as Kiir has dismissed several officials aligned with Machar, exacerbating animosities. Recent government actions, including the surrounding of Machar’s residence and the detention of his allies, have drawn criticism from the United States and the international community, calling for an immediate halt to violence and urging leaders to prioritize dialogue.
UNMISS has reiterated the need for all parties involved to avoid further conflict and work cooperatively to alleviate tensions. Following its independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan had promising prospects for peace, yet it has faced continued strife, primarily driven by ethnic conflicts dating back to the civil war which erupted in 2013.
The pressure is mounting on both Kiir and Machar from international entities to swiftly enact the 2018 peace agreement and prepare for upcoming elections, first delayed and now rescheduled for 2026. Key challenges remain, particularly in the realm of military reform, as the unification of the army command has yet to be completed.
In conclusion, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious state of security and the ongoing political strife between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The violence poses a significant threat to the fragile peace agreement established in 2018. With the international community calling for de-escalation and dialogue, the urgent need for cooperation among South Sudanese leaders has never been clearer. Failure to address these tensions risks further destabilization of the nation.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
