Tragic Attack on UN Helicopter in South Sudan Highlights Ongoing Violence

A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, leading to the death of one crew member and several soldiers. The incident occurred during an evacuation amid clashes with the White Army militia, associated with opposition leader Riek Machar. UN officials condemned the attack and called for accountability, while tensions in the political sphere raise concerns about the fragile peace process.

A United Nations helicopter operating in South Sudan was attacked near Nasir while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese soldiers. This tragic incident, resulting in the death of one crew member and several soldiers, occurred amidst ongoing skirmishes between South Sudanese forces and a militia group known as the White Army. This group has been associated with First Vice President Riek Machar’s faction, as claimed by President Salva Kiir’s administration.

The assault took place on Friday, coinciding with significant clashes in the Nasir region. Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially qualifying as a war crime under international law. He expressed regret for those lost and demanded accountability for the perpetrators, noting that the UN had secured assurances of safe passage for the evacuation efforts.

In the aftermath of the attack, President Kiir was expected to address the nation, shedding light on the government’s response. The White Army, predominantly affiliated with the Nuer ethnic group, previously allied with Machar during the civil conflict from 2013 to 2018 against the Dinka-led forces loyal to Kiir.

Additionally, tensions escalated as Machar’s spokesperson reported the arrest of multiple senior officials, including the petroleum and peacebuilding ministers, raising concerns over the ongoing fragile peace in South Sudan. The government remains silent regarding these detentions, while Machar’s party has denied any involvement in the recent violence in Nasir.

In conclusion, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan has highlighted the continued volatility of the region, exacerbated by historical conflicts and ongoing political tensions. The international community is called upon to investigate the incident, particularly in light of the possible war crime implications stated by UN officials. The fragile peace process remains at risk as significant political figures face arrests and accusations, further complicating national stability.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com