A UN helicopter attack in Nasir, South Sudan, led to the deaths of General Majur Dak and many soldiers. The UN condemned this act as potentially a war crime, jeopardizing a fragile peace process. Recent tensions between President Kiir and Riek Machar’s forces have raised concerns about renewed conflict in the region, with calls for urgent dialogue to restore stability.
A recent attack on a United Nations helicopter attempting to evacuate soldiers from the town of Nasir, South Sudan, resulted in the deaths of a South Sudanese general, Gen. Majur Dak, and numerous soldiers. This incident raises significant concerns regarding the ongoing peace process, which is already unstable due to recent clashes in the region. The UN condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and a potential war crime.
The incident arose amidst escalating violence in Upper Nile state between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and the so-called White Army, militias linked to his rival, First Vice President Riek Machar. The UN crew was present to airlift the soldiers following intense skirmishes when the attack occurred. In a national address, President Kiir reiterated the commitment to peace and requested that citizens remain calm, asserting, “I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their hands.”
According to Information Minister Michael Makuei, approximately 27 troops died in the attack, which also claimed the life of a UN crew member. It remains unclear whether the helicopter was targeted while in flight or grounded. This tragedy unfolds against the backdrop of a fragile power-sharing agreement established in 2018, following a five-year civil war, aimed at stabilizing the nation.
Conflicting narratives have emerged regarding the involvement of Machar’s forces, with his spokesperson refraining from commenting on the attack and previously denying any role in the violence. Nicholas Haysom, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan, emphasized the need for accountability, stating, “We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received.”
Compounding the situation, recent arrests of several high-ranking officials aligned with Machar raise concerns regarding the integrity of the 2018 peace agreement. Analysts are warning of the potential for renewed conflict, with Alan Boswell from the International Crisis Group stating that “South Sudan is slipping rapidly toward full-blown war” and calling for international intervention to prevent civilian casualties.
The UN has urged all parties to cease violence and prioritize dialogue to address the rising tensions in Nasir. The United Nations mission in South Sudan, established following its independence in 2011, comprises nearly 20,000 peacekeepers from various countries, emphasizing the global commitment to maintaining peace in the region.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, including a general and numerous soldiers, highlighting the precariousness of the peace process in the nation. The worsening situation prompts concerns of a potential return to civil conflict, with appeals for dialogue and prevention of further violence from the United Nations. It is crucial for South Sudan’s leadership to address this escalating crisis to ensure stability.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
