South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir pledged to maintain peace after a UN helicopter attack killed a crew member during a rescue mission. Kiir urged calm and stressed his commitment to avoid returning to war. The incident heightened tensions between his forces and those of First Vice President Riek Machar, raising concerns over a fragile power-sharing framework.
South Sudanese leader President Salva Kiir has assured that his nation will not revert to conflict following a deadly attack on a UN helicopter that was engaged in a rescue operation. During a press conference in Juba, he called for calm and reinforced his dedication to maintaining peace, stating his government would effectively manage the current crisis. Kiir emphasized, “The government that I lead will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace.”
He reiterated his stance firmly, declaring, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands.” The tragic attack occurred when a UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) team was evacuating soldiers from violent clashes in Upper Nile State. The helicopter, while under fire, resulted in one crew member’s death and injuries to two others, alongside casualties among South Sudanese military personnel, indicating a potential war crime, according to UNMISS.
Recent weeks have seen a spike in tensions stemming from violent confrontations between forces loyal to Kiir and those supporting First Vice President Riek Machar, which threatens their delicate power-sharing arrangement. Kiir’s supporters allege that Machar’s forces, in conjunction with the armed Nuer youth group known as the White Army, are responsible for the turmoil in Upper Nile State. South Sudan, recognized as the world’s youngest nation, had previously concluded a five-year civil war in 2018 following a peace agreement between Kiir and Machar.
In conclusion, President Salva Kiir has publicly committed to avoiding a return to war following a UN helicopter attack that resulted in fatalities during a rescue mission. Besides denouncing violence, Kiir highlighted the risks posed by escalating tensions between rival political factions amid existing power-sharing agreements. The situation requires careful management to ensure stability in South Sudan after years of conflict.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
