South Sudan President Salva Kiir has appealed for calm after a UN helicopter was attacked, resulting in a crew member’s death. Tensions are rising due to clashes between allied forces, threatening the fragile 2018 power-sharing agreement with Vice President Riek Machar. Both leaders are urged to engage in dialogue to prevent further violence.
President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has called for calm following the recent attack on a United Nations (UN) helicopter, which resulted in the death of a crew member during a rescue mission. Kiir emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, stating that South Sudan would “not go back to war” despite the increasing tensions stemming from clashes between allied forces in the northeastern Upper Nile State.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract South Sudanese army personnel, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others. This incident has prompted discussions of potential war crimes, as the UNMISS confirmed the loss of additional South Sudanese army officials during the operation.
Kiir urged the population to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, insisting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the ongoing crisis peacefully. Tensions have escalated, with accusations from Kiir’s allies claiming that Vice President Riek Machar’s forces are instigating unrest in the region alongside a local militia known as the White Army.
In response to the violence, Machar’s office condemned the attacks, asserting that restoring peace remains a priority, and he is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to mitigate further conflict. UNMISS Chief Nicholas Haysom termed the helicopter attack as “utterly abhorrent” and called for accountability under international law. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric also emphasized the necessity for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Amidst the chaos, Kiir’s government executed multiple arrests of Machar’s allies in the capital city, Juba, including high-ranking officials. The rapid deterioration in the situation has raised alarms among international diplomats, who warned that such events threaten the 2018 peace agreement, which concluded a devastating civil war.
A joint statement from various embassies, including those of the United States and the European Union, urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue for the well-being of their citizens. Meanwhile, UNMISS reiterated the need for all parties to uphold the ceasefire and safeguard the peace agreement’s integrity. Analysts have expressed concern regarding Kiir’s recent political maneuvers, indicating a possible consolidation of power at the expense of Machar’s influence, thus heightening fears of renewed conflict.
The escalating violence raises concerns of a return to widespread bloodshed, prompting calls from experts for the UN to prepare peacekeeping measures to safeguard civilian lives from potential ethnic violence.
In summary, President Salva Kiir’s appeal for peace follows a tragic attack on a UN helicopter that killed a crew member and injured others. The delicate power-sharing agreement with Vice President Riek Machar faces strain amid increasing violence in Upper Nile State. Both leaders are urged to prioritize dialogue and peace, as international bodies call for accountability and heightened vigilance to prevent a regression into civil conflict.
Original Source: punchng.com
