UN Helicopter Attack in South Sudan: A Potential War Crime Threatens Peace

A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to others. The incident threatens the fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, amidst rising tensions and violence in the region. UN officials condemned the attack as potentially a war crime and called for adherence to the peace agreement.

In South Sudan, a United Nations helicopter was attacked during a rescue mission, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuring two others. This incident has been described as a potential war crime, further destabilizing the fragile power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was attempting to extract South Sudanese army personnel from combat when they faced gunfire.

The recent violence has highlighted tensions between the allied forces of Kiir and Machar, particularly in the northeastern Upper Nile State. UNMISS confirmed that several officers from the South Sudanese army, along with a general, lost their lives in the rescue attempt. Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, emphasizing its horrific nature and implications under international law.

Since the conclusion of a five-year civil war in 2018, the power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar has been precarious, facing accusations and unrest from both sides. Kiir’s allies have alleged that Machar’s forces, alongside a local group known as the White Army, are instigating unrest in Nasir County. In response to the violence, government forces have made multiple arrests of Machar’s associates, indicating rising tensions.

With recent clashes resulting in significant casualties and civilian displacement, UNMISS aimed to mitigate violence through this evacuation mission. However, the situation has drawn warnings from both regional and Western diplomats, who express concern over escalating violence undermining the peace accord that concluded a devastating civil war, which claimed approximately 400,000 lives. Diplomats urged leaders in Juba to engage in peaceful dialogue and prioritize the welfare of the South Sudanese population.

In light of the incidents, UNMISS has reiterated the necessity for all parties to uphold their ceasefire commitments and safeguard the integrity of the peace agreement. Additionally, the government’s recent political maneuvers, including the firing of two vice-presidents without wider consultation, have attracted criticism and are viewed as efforts by Kiir to consolidate power against Machar.

The recent attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragility of the peace agreement established in 2018, as tensions continue to rise between the forces of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and political instability that threaten the safety of civilians and the integrity of the peacebuilding process in South Sudan. Diplomatic efforts toward ensuring peaceful dialogue and adherence to ceasefire commitments remain crucial to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com