South Sudan President Urges Peace Following Attack on UN Helicopter

President Kiir of South Sudan appeals for calm after a UN helicopter attack that killed a crew member. The attack undermines a delicate power-sharing agreement with Vice President Machar. Tensions rise amidst accusations of unrest fomented by Machar’s forces. Diplomatic actors emphasize the importance of continued peace and dialogue to avert a return to war.

South Sudan President Salva Kiir has called for calm and reassured his citizens that the nation would not revert to war following an assault on a UN helicopter during a rescue mission. The attack resulted in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others, igniting fears of renewed conflict amid an already fragile power-sharing arrangement with First Vice President Riek Machar.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that its team was attempting to evacuate members of the South Sudanese army from a conflict zone when the helicopter was targeted. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions between the factions aligned with Kiir and Machar in Upper Nile State, potentially qualifying as a war crime.

In his address, President Kiir emphasized the importance of law and order, stating that it was crucial for the government to address this crisis and maintain a commitment to peace. His remarks reiterated that the country would not regress into wartime conditions, urging citizens against taking the law into their own hands.

Reports have indicated that conflicts in Nasir County are exacerbated by accusations from Kiir’s allies against Machar’s forces of inciting violence, in collaboration with a local militia known as the White Army. Vice President Machar has condemned the helicopter attack, labeling it as barbaric, and reaffirmed his commitment to collaborative efforts aimed at restoring peace.

UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom condemned the assault as abhorrent, urging an investigation into the attack. He expressed concern regarding the casualties from the operation intended to extract individuals from the conflict. Additionally, the UN Secretary-General’s representative has called for accountability for those responsible for the violence.

Amid the escalating violence, the South Sudanese government has taken measures against Machar’s associates in Juba, raising further tensions. UNMISS’s efforts represent an attempt to curb the violence in Nasir County, which has caused significant destruction and displacements.

Widespread diplomatic concerns have been voiced regarding the risk to the 2018 peace agreement, which ended a civil war that took a devastating toll, claiming around 400,000 lives. Diplomatic statements have urged South Sudanese leaders to prioritize reconciliation and peace discussions.

Critics have pointed to recent decisions by President Kiir that appear to consolidate his hold on power, raising alarms about the potential for heightened conflict. Analysts warn that South Sudan may be drifting towards a resurgence of widespread warfare, prompting calls for preventative measures from international peacekeeping forces to protect civilians.

In conclusion, the situation in South Sudan remains precarious following the recent attack on a UN helicopter. President Kiir’s call for calm amidst rising tensions reflects a desire to uphold the fragile peace established in 2018 between conflicting factions. The international community’s concern for preserving the peace agreement and preventing further violence is crucial as the potential for renewed hostilities looms.

Original Source: punchng.com