UN Helicopter Assault Amid Growing Tensions in South Sudan

A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while on a mission to rescue wounded soldiers, resulting in one death and injuries to two crew members. The incident occurred amid rising political tensions, with fears of impending civil conflict. President Salva Kiir has urged for calm, while criticism is directed at both him and rival leaders for their role in the crisis, which challenges the existing power-sharing agreement.

On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission in South Sudan, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two more. The assault occurred while the crew attempted to rescue wounded South Sudanese soldiers in Upper Nile State, an effort aimed at alleviating tensions, according to the United Nations. It was reported that the wounded soldiers had also perished, although details regarding the helicopter’s status during the incident remain unclear.

This attack follows an escalation in political tensions in South Sudan, which is facing fears of sliding back into civil war. President Salva Kiir publicly called for calm, stating, “Let no one take law into their hands. The government which I lead will handle this crisis.” However, critics attribute the deepening crisis to failures by Mr. Kiir and rival leaders.

The fragile power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which ended a civil war in 2018, has been increasingly unstable, resulting in clashes among their respective forces in Upper Nile State. South Sudan’s information minister reported that 27 soldiers were killed in the helicopter attack, though this figure has not been independently verified.

In summary, the United Nations helicopter attack in South Sudan highlights the escalating violence and complexities within the country as it nears political instability. Despite appeals for peace from President Kiir, the persistent tensions between rival factions pose significant risks of renewed civil conflict. The loss of both military personnel and a UN crew member reiterates the urgent need for a stable resolution to ongoing disputes and the reinforcement of the 2018 peace agreement.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com