Tragic Assault on U.N. Helicopter in South Sudan Claims Lives

A U.N. helicopter was attacked in Nasir, South Sudan, during a troop evacuation, leading to one crew member and several soldiers’ deaths. U.N. official Nicholas Haysom condemned the assault, calling for accountability and a thorough investigation. The situation reflects ongoing tensions between political factions within the country amidst concerns for the peace process.

A United Nations helicopter was targeted in Nasir, South Sudan, while attempting to evacuate soldiers, resulting in the death of one crew member and multiple fatalities among the South Sudanese forces, including a general. This incident occurred amid severe clashes between national troops and the White Army militia, which is closely associated with the political rival of President Salva Kiir, First Vice President Riek Machar.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially constitutive of a war crime under international law. He expressed regret over the loss of life among those the helicopter aimed to airlift and emphasized the need for accountability by urging an investigation into the incident.

The South Sudanese government has not responded specifically to inquiries regarding the attack or the ongoing violence in Nasir. Nonetheless, President Kiir was scheduled to address the nation following this tragic event. Meanwhile, concerns grow as security forces have apprehended several senior officials associated with Machar, leading to apprehensions about the peace process in the country.

The White Army comprises predominantly Nuer ethnic group members and has a history of conflict with the Dinka troops loyal to Kiir, stemming from the civil war between 2013 and 2018. Although Machar’s spokesperson has asserted that his faction is not involved in the recent fighting, the detention of high-ranking officials raises questions about the stability of the peace agreement between the rival factions.

The incident involving the U.N. helicopter in Nasir underscores the ongoing violence and instability in South Sudan, heightening concerns over the fragile peace process. The attack has been condemned as potentially war crime, and calls for an investigation have been made to ensure accountability. The government’s recent detentions of several officials linked to Riek Machar further complicate the political situation, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and dialogue to secure lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com