A South Sudanese general and approximately 27 soldiers were killed when a UN helicopter was attacked while attempting to relocate them from Nasir. The incident underscores the fragile peace process in South Sudan, with the UN decrying it as potentially a war crime. Tensions have increased between government forces and the White Army militia, associated with First Vice President Riek Machar. Calls for accountability and dialogue have been issued to avert further violence.
A South Sudanese general, along with numerous soldiers, lost their lives when a United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to relocate them from Nasir, as reported by the government. The incident poses a serious threat to the already fragile peace process in the country, with the United Nations labeling it “utterly abhorrent” and suggesting it may amount to a war crime.
The helicopter was engaged in an airlift following intense clashes in Nasir between government forces and the White Army militia. This militia is reportedly affiliated with First Vice President Riek Machar’s forces, which have previously engaged in conflict with President Salva Kiir’s administration. President Kiir announced the deaths of General Majur Dak and stated that Machar assured him of the general’s safety prior to the operation.
Information Minister Michael Makuei revealed to reporters that “approximately 27” troops were confirmed dead, including a UN crew member. It remains uncertain whether the helicopter was targeted while in flight or on the ground during the assault. Puok Both Baluang, a spokesperson for Machar, declined to provide comments on the attack, and Machar’s party has denied any involvement in the recent confrontations in Nasir.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and called for an investigation to hold those accountable under international law, emphasizing the loss of lives in the attempted extraction of the soldiers.
Current tensions have escalated as security forces recently detained several senior officials linked to Machar, including the petroleum minister and the deputy chief of the army. This development raises concerns regarding the stability of the 2018 peace agreement which concluded a civil war between Kiir’s and Machar’s factions. The government has not addressed these detentions, although reports indicate that these officials remain in custody or under house arrest.
The White Army primarily consists of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group, who previously allied with Machar during the civil war against predominantly Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. Despite Kiir’s reassurances that South Sudan will not revert to war, analysts caution that rising tensions may escalate into full conflict.
The UN has urged all parties to refrain from further violence and calls upon the country’s leaders to engage in dialogue and address the security situation, particularly in Nasir. Since the 2018 peace agreement, South Sudan has officially been at peace; however, violence frequently erupts between rival communities. The UN mission in South Sudan commenced shortly after the nation gained independence from Sudan in 2011, comprising nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 nations.
The tragic attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the fragile nature of peace in the region. The deaths of General Majur Dak and other soldiers, amidst rising tensions between government forces and the White Army militia, underscore the ongoing volatility that threatens stability. Calls for accountability and dialogue are vital to prevent further escalation and ensure lasting peace following the 2018 agreement.
Original Source: www.lismorecitynews.com.au
