A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while rescuing soldiers, resulting in one crew member’s death and others injured. This incident highlights ongoing tensions over the shaky power-sharing agreement between President Kiir and Vice President Machar, raising concerns of a potential war crime and jeopardizing the stability of peace in the region.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan on Friday while attempting to rescue South Sudanese army soldiers, leading to the death of one crew member and serious injuries to two others. This incident, described by UNMISS as possibly a war crime, occurred amid increasing tensions stemming from a weak power-sharing arrangement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The conflict highlights fragile stability in the region due to recent clashes among allied forces.
According to UNMISS, the helicopter was fired upon while it was executing a mission to extract army personnel from a conflict zone. The attack also resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese army general and other officers. Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the assault, stating, “The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law,” while also expressing regret for the deaths of targeted soldiers.
South Sudan, having emerged from a civil war with a power-sharing agreement in 2018, faces renewed unrest as Kiir’s allies accuse Machar’s forces of inciting conflict within Nasir County, where violence is escalating. Additionally, a government garrison was recently overrun by rebel forces, prompting renewed military responses and arrests of officials aligned with Machar, including key ministers.
UNMISS’s evacuation efforts aimed to mitigate the violence causing significant civilian casualties and displacement. Regional leaders and Western diplomats expressed concern that the ongoing turmoil could jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement that resolved a conflict resulting in 400,000 fatalities. A collective statement from embassies emphasized the need for leaders in Juba to prioritize peace and the well-being of South Sudanese citizens, urging adherence to ceasefire agreements.
However, analysts suggest that recent political maneuvers by Kiir, including the dismissal of two vice-presidents and the removal of a governor linked to Machar, may indicate efforts to solidify his power, further complicating the political landscape in South Sudan.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the precarious status of peace in the country, as rising violence threatens a fragile power-sharing agreement. With multiple casualties, including UN personnel, the event has drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about potential war crimes. Amid local unrest and political maneuvers by Kiir, the stability of the nation’s future remains uncertain, highlighting the need for continued diplomatic efforts to uphold peace.
Original Source: 24newshd.tv
