A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan as tensions rise between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar regarding a power-sharing agreement. The incident resulted in casualties among UN personnel and South Sudanese officers. Kiir insists on peace, while Machar condemns the violence. The government has detained several officials amid increasing instability.
On Friday, a United Nations (UN) helicopter was attacked in South Sudan as rising tensions escalate within the country. President Salva Kiir asserted the nation cannot afford to return to warfare, igniting conflict with First Vice President Riek Machar over a fragile power-sharing agreement. Violent clashes have erupted in Upper Nile State, adding to the unrest.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that their helicopter was under fire while attempting to extract members of the South Sudanese army, resulting in the death of a crew member and severe injuries to two others. The mission’s failure also led to the deaths of a South Sudanese army general and several officers, according to the UNMISS statement.
President Kiir called for calm among citizens, reiterating, “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.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to peace and stability during this crisis.
Since the civil war concluded in 2018, tensions have been rekindled between Kiir and Machar, with accusations from Kiir’s faction that Machar is leveraging the White Army to incite conflict. On the same day as the attack, Machar’s office condemned the incident as an act of barbarity and highlighted ongoing priorities for restoring peace in the region.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom described the attack on personnel as potentially qualifying as a war crime under international law. He expressed sorrow for the casualties among the extracted individuals and called for accountability for this assault. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric later called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold responsible parties accountable.
In response to these escalating tensions, the South Sudanese government detained several key figures, including Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol and Deputy Army Chief General Gabriel Duop Lam. The ongoing conflict has resulted in widespread civilian displacement and numerous casualties throughout the region.
The recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the fragile state of peace in the country, as ongoing tensions between political leaders threaten stability. Both President Kiir and Vice President Machar are crucial in navigating these conflicts, with serious implications for international law and humanitarian considerations. Continued investigations and government accountability will be vital in addressing these violent outbreaks and restoring peace.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
