A UN helicopter was attacked while rescuing a South Sudanese general in Nasir, resulting in the deaths of approximately 27 soldiers and one UN crew member. The UN condemned the attack as potentially a war crime and urged for accountability, amid rising tensions between government forces and the White Army militia linked to Vice President Riek Machar. Despite assertions of peace since the 2018 agreement, the situation in South Sudan remains fragile due to frequent clashes between rival groups.
A South Sudanese general, along with dozens of soldiers, was killed when a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting a rescue operation from Nasir town, according to government sources. The UN described this incident as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, further endangering the already fragile peace process in the region.
The helicopter was tasked with airlifting troops following intense clashes between government forces and the White Army militia in Nasir, a group associated with forces loyal to rival Vice President Riek Machar. President Salva Kiir mentioned that assurances had been given by Machar for the general’s safety before the mission commenced.
Information Minister Michael Makuei reported roughly 27 soldiers died, including one UN crew member, though it remains unclear if the helicopter was struck while airborne or on the ground. Machar’s spokesman did not comment on the incident, noting Machar’s party had previously denied involvement in the recent violence.
UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack, asserting it may qualify as a war crime and expressing regret for the deaths of those attempting to be rescued amidst claims of received guarantees for safe passage. He urged for an investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Recent detentions of senior military officials allied to Machar, including the petroleum and peacebuilding ministers, have the potential to undermine the 2018 peace agreement, according to sources close to Machar. The government has remained silent on these detentions, as most of the detained officials are still held or under house arrest.
The White Army, largely made up of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, previously fought alongside Machar’s forces during the civil war between 2013-2018 against predominantly Dinka forces loyal to Kiir. Despite Kiir’s claims that South Sudan will not revert to war, analysts caution that rising tensions could lead to renewed conflict.
The UN has called for all parties to cease violence, urging leaders to engage in dialogue to stabilize the situation in Nasir and across the nation. Although South Sudan has been officially at peace since the 2018 agreement ended a five-year civil war, conflict between rival communities remains a persistent challenge. The UN mission in South Sudan, established post-independence from Sudan in 2011, currently comprises almost 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 countries.
The situation in South Sudan remains volatile following the attack on a UN helicopter, resulting in casualties among soldiers and UN personnel. The incident threatens the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement, which ended a devastating civil war. Calls for investigations and accountability highlight the urgency for dialogue among leaders to prevent further escalation of violence and ensure stability in the region.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
