South Sudan’s President Urges Peace Following Deadly UN Helicopter Attack

South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for calm after a deadly attack in Nasir County that killed 27, including government forces and UN personnel. He reiterated his commitment to peace and urged citizens not to resort to violence. The United Nations seeks an investigation into the incident and emphasizes the need for dialogue to prevent further conflict amidst ongoing political tensions.

On a recent occasion, South Sudan President Salva Kiir called for calm following a violent incident resulting in the deaths of 27 individuals, including an army general and government forces, during an attack on a UN helicopter in Nasir County, Upper Nile State. This tragic event unfolded as the United Nations sought to evacuate South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) officers amid clashes with the local militia known as the White Army.

President Kiir expressed his deep regret regarding the incident, noting that the UN helicopters came under heavy fire during the evacuation attempt. He confirmed the loss of General Majur Dak and several officers, with only one pilot surviving the ordeal. One helicopter was forced to crash-land in Malakal, resulting in additional casualties.

In light of this tragedy, President Kiir emphasized the importance of refraining from vigilante justice and reiterated his commitment to peace throughout South Sudan. He assured citizens that his administration is dedicated to preventing a return to conflict, urging the population to maintain unity and peace.

Moreover, Michael Makuei Lueth, the Minister of Information, corroborated the details of the attack, which resulted in fatalities among both UN personnel and SSPDF soldiers. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for an investigation into the incident and urged all parties to refrain from further violence while calling for leader engagement through dialogue to mitigate tensions.

The violence began earlier in the week, stemming from conflicts between the SSPDF and the White Army, leading to evacuations and the detention of several senior army officials loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. President Machar has criticized actions against his allies, claiming they could jeopardize the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement aimed at resolving long-term conflicts. Analysts emphasize the necessity of dialogue and peacebuilding efforts to sustain the delicate peace in South Sudan.

In conclusion, President Salva Kiir’s response to the recent violence in Nasir County underscores the critical need for peace and restraint among South Sudan’s citizens. The tragic loss of life during the UN helicopter attack highlights the fragile security situation in the country. Both government leaders and UN officials stress the importance of dialogue to avoid further conflict and promote stability, particularly in light of ongoing political tensions and challenges related to the peace agreement. The current circumstances necessitate urgent action to ensure adherence to peace initiatives and to engage in constructive dialogue that can uphold national unity and security.

Original Source: thepeninsulaqatar.com