A UN evacuation mission in South Sudan faced deadly gunfire, resulting in several fatalities, including one crew member. President Kiir noted a second helicopter crash-landed after the attack, but this has not been confirmed by the UN. Ongoing violence threatens a fragile peace deal between the president and vice-president, raising alarms over a potential return to conflict in the nation.
In South Sudan, a recent UN evacuation mission ended tragically with a deadly assault on a helicopter, resulting in multiple fatalities, including one crew member. The mission aimed to extract members of the national army amid escalating violence in Upper Nile state. Reports from the UN mentioned that an injured South Sudanese general and several soldiers also lost their lives during this endeavor.
President Salva Kiir stated that a second helicopter was able to take off post-attack but subsequently crash-landed, claiming all lives aboard. Although the UN did not verify Kiir’s account, they expressed that the attack may amount to a war crime. Ongoing conflicts in Upper Nile threaten a fragile peace deal originally established between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar.
The backdrop to current tensions includes a civil war that erupted from a rift between Kiir and Machar in 2013, resulting in approximately 400,000 fatalities and the displacement of 2.5 million people. Although a peace agreement was signed in 2018, the situation has remained unstable.
Fighting currently involves the South Sudanese armed forces and the White Army militia—previously allied with Machar. The UN’s UNMISS has been conducting evacuations of wounded soldiers from the conflict zone in collaboration with both groups. UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom condemned the assault, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law, extending condolences for the loss of personnel during the operation.
The army general who perished in the attack was identified as Gen Majur Dak, who commanded forces in Nasir. Alongside the violence, recent arrests including those of several of Machar’s allies have heightened fears of a return to conflict. Following the incident, President Kiir urged citizens to exercise calm, asserting, “Let no one take the law into their own hands. The government, which I lead, will handle this crisis.”
South Sudan declared independence from Sudan in 2011 and remains the youngest nation in the world. The turbulent events unfolding could have significant implications for the stability of the region moving forward.
The recent escalation in violence during a UN evacuation mission in South Sudan highlights the precarious state of peace in the nation. With multiple casualties, including UN personnel and local troops, the attack raises serious concerns over adherence to international law. Given the historical context of conflict between key political figures, the situation continues to be a focal point for national and international attention, emphasizing the need for stabilization efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
