A UN helicopter in South Sudan was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a general and 27 soldiers, exacerbating tensions between rival political factions. The UN condemned the attack, suggesting it may be a war crime, and called for urgent dialogue to resolve the situation. Analysts warn of impending conflict if tensions are not addressed promptly.
A South Sudanese general and numerous soldiers were killed during an attack on a United Nations helicopter aimed at evacuating them from Nasir. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding the stability of the peace process in the region, which remains fragile. The UN labeled the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime, highlighting the serious implications for ongoing peace efforts.
The helicopter was on a rescue mission due to violent clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, which is believed to have ties to Riek Machar, President Salva Kiir’s rival. Kiir had received assurances about the safety of General Majur Dak when he authorized the mission. Following the attack, he urged the public to remain calm and emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining peace despite escalating tensions.
Information Minister Michael Makuei reported that approximately 27 soldiers died in the assault, including a UN crew member. The exact circumstances of the attack remain unclear, as it is still uncertain whether the helicopter was struck in flight or on the ground. The ongoing conflicts in the Upper Nile state have further complicated the power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar.
The situation has been exacerbated by the recent arrest of several senior military officials associated with Machar. These detentions pose a direct threat to the peace agreement that ended a protracted civil war. Analysts caution that the increasing tensions could ignite a new wave of conflicts, with the International Crisis Group warning that South Sudan risks descending into full-scale war.
In response, the UN expressed urgent calls for dialogue among South Sudan’s leaders to prevent further violence and stabilize the security situation, particularly in Nasir. The UN mission in South Sudan, established post-independence in 2011, comprises around 20,000 peacekeepers from various nations, underscoring the international community’s commitment to supporting peace in the area.
The attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan marks a critical juncture in an already volatile peace process. The resulting deaths of the general and soldiers exemplify the risk of renewed conflict amid ongoing tensions between President Kiir and Vice-President Machar. The international community, represented by the UN, is calling for immediate dialogue to avert potential large-scale violence and uphold the fragile peace established in 2018.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
