Recent clashes in South Sudan resulted in casualties during an attempted evacuation of national troops, with a UN helicopter being shot down. The UN condemned the attack as potentially a war crime, amid concerns about the fragile peace between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. The situation remains tense as arrests have been made and fighting continues in Upper Nile state.
South Sudan has witnessed significant fatalities following an attack on UN helicopters during a national army evacuation attempt. A UN statement confirmed that one crew member was killed and one South Sudanese general, along with several other troops, died during this operation in Upper Nile state. The UN condemned the attack, indicating it could be classified as a war crime.
In a grim turn of events, a second helicopter, which managed to take off after the attack, reportedly crash-landed, resulting in the loss of all personnel aboard. However, UNMISS stated that both helicopters successfully landed in Malakal. The South Sudanese Information Minister, Michael Makuei, reported a total of twenty-seven fatalities among South Sudanese forces.
The ongoing conflict in Upper Nile threatens the fragile peace established between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar. Their previous disagreements triggered a devastating civil war in 2013, claiming 400,000 lives and displacing 2.5 million individuals. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, tensions have persisted, with recent clashes involving the armed forces and the White Army militia, allied with Machar during the previous war.
UNMISS, under the leadership of Nicholas Haysom, condemned the assault on their personnel, labeling it “extremely abhorrent” and expressing condolences for the tragic loss. President Kiir identified the deceased general as Gen. Majur Dak, who led forces in the region. Current apprehensions arise from the detainment of allies of Machar, including a high-ranking army general and the oil minister, potentially signaling a return to conflict in South Sudan. Despite the turmoil, Kiir urged the nation to “remain calm” and reassured citizens that his government would manage the crisis, affirming there is no intent to revert to war.
In summary, the violence in South Sudan underscores the precarious balance of peace following years of conflict. The recent attack on UN personnel raises serious concerns regarding both humanitarian conditions and the stability of the region. The leadership has called for calm, yet the detainment of political figures and ongoing clashes suggest that peace remains tenuous and delicate. The international community must closely monitor the situation as it unfolds.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
