Deadly Shooting Disrupts UN Evacuation Attempt in South Sudan

A tragic incident occurred in South Sudan where a UN evacuation helicopter was shot at, resulting in multiple casualties including a crew member and a South Sudanese general. President Kiir reported that a second helicopter crashed, with all aboard presumed dead. The ongoing fighting threatens a fragile peace agreement. UNMISS condemned the attack, considering it potentially a war crime, while President Kiir urged the nation to remain calm amidst rising tensions.

Recent developments in South Sudan reveal a tragic incident in which a United Nations (UN) helicopter was shot at during an evacuation attempt, resulting in multiple fatalities. According to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), one crew member lost their life in the attack, alongside a South Sudanese general and several soldiers who were being evacuated from Upper Nile state.

President Salva Kiir reported that a second UN helicopter, which took off after the first was attacked, subsequently crash-landed with all passengers on board presumed dead. The UN has yet to confirm the details of Kiir’s statement but remarked that the assault on the helicopter could potentially be classified as a war crime.

The ongoing violence in Upper Nile threatens the already fragile peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, which was established following a civil war that commenced in 2013. Despite a peace agreement signed in 2018, tensions have persisted, particularly between the national army and the White Army militia allied with Machar.

Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and indicated that it could violate international law, expressing condolences for the loss of a colleague and the South Sudanese forces involved. The general who died in the attack, Gen Majur Dak, was a commanding officer stationed in the contested region of Nasir.

In addition to the fighting, the recent arrest of several close associates of Machar raises concerns about a potential return to war. Despite these challenges, President Kiir appealed for calm among the populace, assuring them that the government will manage the situation without descending into conflict. South Sudan remains the world’s newest nation, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

The tragic shooting incident involving a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious security situation in the region. The resulting fatalities, including a UN crew member and South Sudanese forces, highlight the ongoing tensions after years of conflict. President Kiir’s call for calm amidst arrests of Machar’s allies indicates the fragile state of governance and peace in the country. The international community must pay close attention to these developments as they reflect the potential for further instability in South Sudan.

Original Source: www.bbc.com