South Sudan’s Commitment to Peace Following UN Helicopter Attack

President Salva Kiir of South Sudan has reiterated his commitment to peace following a deadly attack on a UN helicopter. The incident, which left one crew member dead during a rescue mission, has heightened tensions between government forces and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, undermining their power-sharing agreement. Kiir asserts that the country will not return to war, urging calm among citizens.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has publicly vowed that his nation will not descend back into war following a recent UN helicopter attack that resulted in the death of a crew member. At a press conference held in Juba, President Kiir emphasized the need for calm and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to peace, stating, “The government that I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.”

President Kiir explicitly stated, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.” These remarks were made in response to an incident where a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter came under gunfire while attempting to evacuate soldiers from violent clashes in Upper Nile State. This attack resulted in one crew member’s death and left two others critically injured.

In addition to the casualties among the UN personnel, a South Sudanese army general and several officers were killed in the attack. UNMISS has indicated that this incident may amount to a war crime. Recent weeks have witnessed rising tensions due to clashes between troops loyal to President Kiir and those aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, causing strain on their delicate power-sharing arrangement.

Supporters of President Kiir have accused Machar’s forces of inciting violence in Upper Nile State, particularly in collaboration with the White Army, an armed group composed of youth from Machar’s ethnic community. It is important to note that South Sudan is the youngest nation globally, having achieved independence after a five-year civil war ended in 2018 through a peace agreement between Kiir and Machar.

In conclusion, President Salva Kiir has affirmed South Sudan’s commitment to preventing a return to war following a UN helicopter attack that resulted in fatalities. His statements underscore the need for peace amidst rising tensions linked to ongoing conflicts between rival factions in the country. The nation, having emerged from civil unrest just a few years prior, stands at a critical juncture in its quest for stability and peace.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com