Gunmen attacked a United Nations helicopter on an evacuation mission in South Sudan on Friday, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others, according to reports from the United Nations.
The helicopter was attempting to rescue wounded South Sudanese soldiers in Upper Nile State as part of efforts to alleviate rising tensions in the region. The UN indicated that the wounded soldiers were also killed during the attack. There is uncertainty regarding whether the helicopter was on the ground or in the air when it was fired upon, though an armed group known as the White Army claimed the shooting began as the soldiers prepared to board.
This incident comes amid escalating political tensions in South Sudan, which is the world’s youngest nation. Residents and Western officials have expressed growing concerns that the country is on the verge of a new civil conflict.
In a bid to maintain order, President Salva Kiir proclaimed that he would prevent any descent into chaos. He stated, "Let no one take law into their hands,” emphasizing the government's commitment to addressing the crisis.
However, critics argue that both Mr. Kiir and rival leaders share responsibility for the instability. A power-sharing agreement between Mr. Kiir and first vice president Riek Machar, which successfully ended a brutal civil war in 2018, is now under strain as their respective forces clash in Upper Nile State.
South Sudan’s information minister reported that 27 soldiers were killed during the helicopter attack but did not provide further details, and the number remains unverified. The White Army, which is allied with Mr. Machar, stated that those killed included a major general of the South Sudan military and several of his guards. The White Army claimed their officers returned fire after being shot at by the general's guards, an assertion that is also unconfirmed.
In the capital city of Juba, President Kiir has taken steps to consolidate his power, resulting in the arrest of several of Mr. Machar’s allies, including the petroleum minister and the deputy army chief. The White Army has taken control of a military base in Mr. Machar's stronghold in Upper Nile State.
Experts warn that South Sudan is rapidly approaching full-scale war, with concerns that renewed conflict could intertwine with the ongoing war in neighboring Sudan. Analysts are urging regional powers, like Kenya and Ethiopia, to act urgently to prevent the situation from escalating into widespread ethnic violence.
Pope Francis previously called on Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar to resolve their differences during a visit to South Sudan two years ago. However, the recent cycle of violence and arrests raises fears that their relationship may be irreparably damaged.
This week, the minister for peace-building was also arrested by Mr. Kiir’s loyalists but was released on Friday. South Sudan gained independence in 2011 following a long struggle, but a rivalry between Mr. Kiir and Mr. Machar soon spiraled into a civil war, resulting in approximately 400,000 deaths.
The fragile peace has been increasingly tested over the last two years, particularly due to the civil war in neighboring Sudan, which has negatively impacted South Sudan's economy by disrupting oil production. Presidential elections, which have faced multiple delays, are now slated for next year.
The United States, a key supporter during South Sudan's formation, has indicated a shift in its foreign aid strategy, potentially reducing its presence in the country. The recent helicopter attack has dealt a blow to international efforts aimed at stabilizing the political climate.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the United Nations mission in Sudan, condemned the helicopter attack as “utterly abhorrent” and stated that it “may constitute a war crime under international law.”