Tragic Attack on UN Helicopter in South Sudan Claims Lives and Threatens Peace

A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers were killed when a UN helicopter came under attack in Nasir. The incident threatens the fragile peace process in the country. President Kiir condemned the attack, calling it a possible war crime, and emphasized the government’s commitment to peace. The UN demanded accountability and urged all parties to refrain from violence amid escalating tensions.

The recent attack on a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan has resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese general, Gen Majur Dak, and approximately 27 soldiers. The incident occurred while the UN crew attempted to evacuate troops amid heavy clashes in Nasir between government forces and the White Army, a militia reportedly linked to Riek Machar, the first vice-president and rival of President Salva Kiir. The government described the incident as a significant threat to the fragile peace process established after the 2018 power-sharing agreement.

President Salva Kiir condemned the attack, referring to it as “utterly abhorrent.” He reassured the public that no return to war would occur and emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace. The situation remains tense as accusations circulate regarding the involvement of Machar’s forces in the unrest in Nasir.

The UN mission, known as UNMISS, has strongly criticized the attack. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, labeled the event as a possible war crime and called for an investigation into the attack and the circumstances surrounding it. He expressed deep regret over the loss of life during the attempted extraction of soldiers, which was conducted under assurances of safe passage.

Escalating tensions within South Sudan, highlighted by recent arrests of officials allied with Machar, have raised alarms among analysts. They warn that the situation is deteriorating rapidly, posing risks of widespread conflict and potential ethnic violence. The International Crisis Group urges the UN to prepare peacekeeping measures to protect civilians, especially if unrest continues to escalate.

In light of these developments, the United Nations has urged all factions involved to abstain from further violence and for South Sudan’s leaders to engage in urgent dialogue. The UNMISS was established following South Sudan’s independence in 2011 and currently comprises nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from various nations, striving to stabilize the region amidst ongoing conflicts.

The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan marks a significant setback for the already fragile peace process following the civil war. The deaths of General Majur Dak and dozens of soldiers heighten anxieties around renewed conflict in the region. The international community, particularly the UN, is calling for immediate investigations and dialogue to prevent further escalation and protect civilians. As tensions rise, the need for effective peacekeeping and intervention mechanisms is more critical than ever.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com