A U.N. helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in one crew member’s death and injuries to others during an evacuation mission. The violence occurred in the Nasir area amid escalating conflicts that threaten the fragile peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. The incident highlights severe political tensions and calls for urgent dialogue and resolution.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others during an evacuation mission. The incident occurred in the Nasir region of Upper Nile state amidst escalating violence that threatens the fragile peace agreement between the nation’s leaders. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter was targeted while attempting to evacuate government troops, including their commander, Gen. Majur Dak.
President Salva Kiir confirmed that several soldiers were killed during the attack, urging citizens to remain calm, stating, “The government which I lead will handle this crisis and we will remain steadfast in the path of peace.” The Nasir area has seen intense clashes between government forces and the White Army, a group suspected of being allied with Vice President Riek Machar. The military garrison was recently overrun, further escalating tensions.
The UNMISS indicated that the helicopter’s mission was part of broader efforts to quell rising political tensions between the conflicting parties, acting at their request. This fighting jeopardizes a 2018 peace agreement designed to resolve a civil war that caused over 400,000 deaths. Despite serving as the first vice president, Machar’s faction opposes Kiir, complicating the peace process.
Tensions rose further when Kiir dismissed officials seen as supportive of Machar, an act that has been viewed as undermining the 2018 agreement. Concurrently, government troops surrounded Machar’s home, leading to the arrests of several of his associates. The U.S. and international community have called for a ceasefire and immediate dialogue between leaders.
Hope for peace surged when South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, but ethnic divisions led the nation into civil war shortly thereafter. Pressure mounts on Kiir and Machar from international actors to implement reforms and hasten elections, now slated for 2026, amidst ongoing unrest and unmet commitments.
The U.N. helicopter attack in South Sudan highlights the ongoing violence and political instability that threaten the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar. As violence escalates in regions like Nasir, with escalating clashes between government troops and insurgents, the need for urgent dialogue and commitment to peace from South Sudan’s leaders becomes increasingly critical. The international community’s call for a cessation of hostilities underscores the urgency of addressing these deep-rooted political rivalries.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
