A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan during a rescue mission, killing one crew member and injuring others. President Salva Kiir urged calm and promised peace, as tensions rise between his government and forces allied to Vice President Riek Machar. The incident could constitute a war crime, exacerbating fears of increased violence and jeopardizing a fragile peace agreement established in 2018.
South Sudan’s president has pledged to maintain peace and avoid a return to war following an attack on a United Nations helicopter during a rescue operation. The incident occurred as the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) attempted to extract members of the South Sudanese army from conflict in Upper Nile State, resulting in the death of a crew member and severe injuries to two others.
The fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is under strain due to clashes between their allied military forces. The U.N. indicated this attack may constitute a war crime, with casualties reported on both sides, including South Sudanese military personnel. Kiir emphasized the need for calm and the government’s commitment to peace.
Despite the commitment for peace, tensions remain high as Kiir’s allies accuse Machar’s forces of inciting violence among militia groups. A statement from Machar’s office denounced the attack, and he affirmed peace remains a priority as he engages stakeholders to avert further escalations.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack as an abhorrent act potentially qualifying as a war crime, calling for accountability for those responsible. Concurrently, local reports indicated the government responded to increasing tensions by arresting Machar’s supporters, amid other military challenges in the region.
Regional and Western diplomats warned that these developments jeopardize the 2018 peace agreement that ended a prolonged civil conflict. Various embassies urged South Sudan’s leaders to prioritize dialogue and uphold their commitments under the ceasefire. Analysts have critiqued recent political maneuvers by Kiir, which seem aimed at consolidating his power over Machar’s faction.
Amid fears of escalating violence, experts warned of a impending crisis in South Sudan, with calls for prepared peacekeeping interventions to protect civilian lives. International representatives reiterate the need for high-level discussions to prevent further violence and loss of life in the country.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter highlighted deteriorating security and rising tensions in South Sudan. President Salva Kiir’s commitment to peace comes amid accusations against Vice President Riek Machar’s forces of inciting unrest. The fragile power-sharing agreement faces threats from political maneuvers and ongoing violence, with international leaders stressing the importance of dialogue to prevent a return to war. Swift action is essential to protect civilians and uphold the peace agreement established in 2018.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
