On a tragic day in Nasir, Upper Nile State, more than two dozen members of the South Sudanese military lost their lives in a devastating attack on a United Nations Mission helicopter. The incident also resulted in the death of an injured General who was being evacuated. The UN mission, known as UNMISS, came under fire during the extraction operation, but fortunately, the helicopter was able to land safely despite the harrowing circumstances.
The extraction mission was carried out at the request of the signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, a crucial document aimed at bringing an end to the long-standing civil war in South Sudan. The UNMISS efforts were intended to help prevent further violence in Nasir and de-escalate political tensions following recent clashes between Government troops of the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and armed youth. These clashes had caused significant casualties and displacement among civilians, highlighting the urgent need for peace and stability in the region.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack on UN personnel as an abhorrent act that may constitute a war crime under international law. He expressed deep regret over the loss of UNMISS personnel and military evacuees, particularly given the assurances of safe passage that had been provided prior to the attack. Haysom called for a thorough investigation to determine those responsible for the attack and to ensure that they are held accountable for their actions.
The call for accountability was echoed by the entire UNMISS mission, emphasizing the importance of justice and consequences for those who perpetrate violence against peacekeepers and civilians. It is crucial to uphold the principles of international law and ensure that such attacks do not go unpunished in order to preserve the credibility and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping operations.
In the midst of this tragedy, UNMISS urged all parties involved to refrain from further violence and called on political leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve tensions peacefully. It is essential for all parties to uphold their commitments to the ceasefire and the Revitalized Peace Agreement in order to prevent further escalation of the conflict and protect the lives of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The history of tensions in Upper Nile State has been marked by ongoing instability and violence, with clashes and insecurity plaguing the region for months. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes, and humanitarian access has been severely restricted due to the challenging terrain and ongoing armed activities. The recent attack on the UNMISS helicopter only adds to the existing challenges faced by the mission in carrying out its mandate to protect civilians and promote peace in South Sudan.
The violent clashes that erupted in Nasir on February 14th between the SSPDF and armed youth underscore the volatile situation in the region. Heavy weapons were reportedly used during the fighting, resulting in casualties among both civilians and combatants. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on the local population, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in a region that is in desperate need of stability and security.
In addition to the attack on the UN helicopter, an UNMISS patrol also came under fire during the clashes, resulting in injuries to a peacekeeper due to mortar shelling. This incident further highlights the dangers faced by UN personnel on the ground in South Sudan and the challenges of carrying out peacekeeping operations in a volatile and unpredictable environment.
As the situation in Nasir and Upper Nile State remains precarious, it is imperative for all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and the maintenance of peace in the region. The international community must continue to support efforts to resolve the conflict in South Sudan and address the root causes of violence and instability in order to build a sustainable peace for the future.
In conclusion, the attack on the UNMISS helicopter in Nasir is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers and the urgent need for all parties to commit to upholding the ceasefire and the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The loss of life in this tragic incident should serve as a wake-up call to the international community to redouble its efforts to support peace and stability in South Sudan and ensure that such senseless acts of violence are not repeated in the future.
