Clashes in South Sudan: UN Helicopters Shot Down Amidst Growing Violence

A UN evacuation attempt in South Sudan resulted in the downing of helicopters and the death of numerous soldiers, both South Sudanese and a crew member. The incident highlights escalating tensions in the region, complicating fragile peace efforts following a devastating civil war. President Kiir urged the nation to avoid conflict amidst ongoing violence.

A recent incident in South Sudan involved the tragic downing of United Nations helicopters during an evacuation attempt, resulting in significant casualties. According to the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), one crew member was killed after hostile fire targeted a helicopter, injuring a South Sudanese general and leading to additional fatalities among troops.

The UN has deemed the attack on its helicopter as potentially constitutive of a war crime. South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir reported that a second helicopter, which managed to depart post-attack, crash-landed, claiming the lives of all on board. However, UNMISS clarified that both aircraft ultimately landed safely at Malakal.

According to Information Minister Michael Makuei, the total number of South Sudanese casualties has reached twenty-seven. Ongoing clashes in Upper Nile have jeopardized the already fragile peace agreement between President Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, which was established following a prolonged civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives and displaced 2.5 million people.

The present conflict involves the national armed forces and the White Army militia, an ethnic group siding with Machar during the civil unrest. UNMISS has been facilitating evacuations of wounded personnel from the conflict zones and condemned the attack targeting its staff as “extremely abhorrent,” emphasizing that it could violate international law.

In response to the violence, President Kiir confirmed the death of General Majur Dak, leader of forces stationed in Nasir, and announced police actions against certain individuals, which raised fears of escalating tensions. Urging the nation to maintain calm, he stated, “I have said it time and again, our country will not revert to war.” South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan in 2011, making it the world’s newest nation.

The recent conflict in South Sudan highlights the ongoing instability and fragility of the peace agreement between its leaders. The UN’s condemnation of the helicopter attack emphasizes the serious repercussions of such violence, with significant loss of life and potential war crime implications. President Kiir’s appeals for calm reflect the urgent need for stability in a nation that is still recovering from extensive civil strife.

Original Source: www.bbc.com