A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue operation, resulting in one crew member’s death and injuries to others. The incident highlights deteriorating relations between President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, threatening the 2018 peace agreement. UNMISS officials condemned the attack and called for adherence to ceasefires amid rising violence and political instability in the region.
A recent attack on a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan resulted in the death of a crew member while attempting to rescue soldiers. This incident may be classified as a war crime, according to UN officials. The scenario emerges from rising tensions between the forces of President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, which have jeopardized the tenuous power-sharing agreement established after a lengthy civil war.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was under fire during the extraction of South Sudanese army personnel, leading to one fatality and serious injuries to two crew members. Several deaths occurred among army personnel during the failed rescue attempt, as indicated in an official statement.
UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack, stressing its despicable nature and potential violation of international law. Haysom expressed sorrow over the loss of life among both UN personnel and South Sudanese soldiers.
Since achieving independence, South Sudan has faced political instability. The fragile peace agreement signed in 2018 has been challenged by escalating violence, including recent clashes attributed to Machar’s forces allied with the militia group known as the White Army.
In response to these clashes, the South Sudanese government arrested several of Machar’s associates, including key political figures. The government has also stated its resolve to counteract the insurgency in Upper Nile State, indicating ongoing strife and political turmoil.
A joint statement by regional and Western diplomats emphasized the necessity for Juba’s leaders to prioritize peace and dialogue, warning that current events could unravel the fragile agreement stemming from the civil war. UNMISS urged both parties to reaffirm their commitment to the ceasefire and to maintain the integrity of the peace agreement.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the precarious situation in the country, with rising tensions between political factions threatening a fragile peace. Key points include the implications of possible war crimes, the victims of the incident, the recent arrests of Machar’s associates, and international calls for dialogue. The ongoing violence underscores the need for the leaders of South Sudan to prioritize stability for the benefit of their citizens.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
