A U.N. helicopter was shot down in Nasir, South Sudan, while attempting to evacuate troops, killing one crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The U.N. condemned the attack as potentially a war crime, and called for accountability. Rising tensions due to recent detentions of opposition leaders threaten fragile peace in the country.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese troops in Nasir, resulting in the death of a crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The U.N. mission indicated that the airlift was necessitated by intense clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, associated with opposition leader Riek Machar’s faction.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, stating, “The attack… is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law.” He expressed sorrow over the loss of lives during the evacuation attempt and emphasized the need for accountability by urging an investigation.
Neither the spokesperson for the government nor Information Minister Michael Makuei responded to requests for comments. However, President Salva Kiir’s office announced he would address the nation later that day. Tensions remain high as the White Army militia, primarily comprised of the Nuer ethnic group, previously aligned with Machar during the civil war from 2013 to 2018 against predominantly ethnic Dinka forces loyal to Kiir.
In recent developments, Machar’s spokesperson reported that security forces have detained several key officials, including the petroleum minister and deputy head of the army, raising concerns about the fragile peace process in the country. The government has remained silent regarding these detentions, while Machar’s party has denied any connection to the escalated violence in Nasir.
The incident involving a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan highlights the escalating conflict in the region, exacerbated by recent arrests of key officials aligned with the opposition. The call for an investigation into this attack underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection of humanitarian missions in conflict zones. The situation poses significant risks to the ongoing peace process, raising alarms over stability in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
