In a tragic incident on Friday, a United Nations helicopter, involved in an evacuation mission in South Sudan, was attacked, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others. This attack in the Nasir region of South Sudan’s Upper Nile state has added to the escalating violence, which threatens the fragile peace agreement between the nation’s top leaders. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported that the helicopter “came under fire” while attempting to extract government forces from the area.
President Salva Kiir confirmed that several troops, including General Majur Dak, the commanding officer in Nasir, were among those killed during the attack. “I am appealing to you to remain calm,” President Kiir stated, assuring that his government would address the crisis while staying committed to peace.
The region has recently become a hotspot for violence, as government forces clashed with the White Army, an armed group believed to have ties with Vice President Riek Machar of South Sudan. Since March 4, after the military base in Nasir was attacked, General Dak and his forces were trapped. Speculation arose that the White Army was behind the attack on the UN helicopter meant to rescue General Dak and his men.
This evacuation operation was part of UN efforts to reduce political tensions and curb violence in Nasir, requested by the conflicting parties, according to UNMISS. The ongoing violence jeopardizes the peace accord signed in 2018 by Kiir and Machar, aimed at ending a five-year civil war that claimed over 400,000 lives. Despite serving as the first vice president, Machar’s political faction still opposes President Kiir, who is wary of Machar’s political ambitions, while Machar perceives Kiir as a dictator.
Recent actions by Kiir have stirred tensions, as Machar’s faction criticized Kiir for firing officials loyal to him, which potentially violates the 2018 peace deal. Earlier in the week, government troops encircled Machar’s residence in Juba, the capital, and arrested several allies after the White Army seized the military base in Nasir. Notable detainees include Deputy Army Chief Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
In response, international voices, including the United States, implored Juba-based leaders to prioritize peaceful dialogue, urging an immediate end to hostilities following the arrests. UNMISS echoed this sentiment, calling on all parties to abstain from further violence and for leaders to promptly collaborate in resolving tensions.
South Sudan, which became an independent nation from Sudan in 2011, had once been the centerpiece of hopes for peace and prosperity. However, it descended into civil war in December 2013, primarily driven by ethnic rifts as Kiir’s supporters clashed with those loyal to Machar. Now, both leaders face international pressure, particularly from the United States, to swiftly enact the 2018 peace deal and prepare for future elections.
Key obstacles persist, such as the government’s lag in executing reforms, including the unification of the army’s command structure. While presidential elections have faced repeated delays, they are currently slated for 2026.
