Juba, South Sudan: President Salva Kiir of South Sudan issued a plea for peace and calm following a violent attack in Nasir County, Upper Nile State that resulted in the deaths of 27 individuals, including a general from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF). The attack occurred as United Nations helicopters attempted to evacuate trapped officers from the area after clashes with the White Army, a local militia supporting the SPLM/A-IO, the opposition movement.
Kiir expressed deep regret over the loss of General Majur Dak and all the officers during the evacuation mission. The president emphasized the importance of maintaining peace in the nation and urged citizens not to take matters into their own hands. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding peace and unity throughout South Sudan.
The Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, Michael Makuei Lueth, confirmed that a total of 27 individuals, including UN personnel, were killed during the attack on the UN helicopter in Nasir County. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for a thorough investigation to identify those responsible and ensure their accountability.
The clashes in Nasir County have raised concerns about the fragile state of the 2018 peace agreement in South Sudan. The ongoing political tensions between President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, leader of the SPLM/A-IO, have continued to challenge the implementation of the peace deal aimed at ending years of civil war in the country.
As the situation remains tense in Nasir and beyond, there is a pressing need for continued dialogue among all parties to prevent further conflict. The international community, including the United Nations, has urged South Sudanese leaders to intervene through peaceful means to de-escalate tensions and maintain stability in the region.
The recent violence serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges facing South Sudan as it strives to build a lasting peace. Analysts emphasize the importance of ongoing discussions and efforts to unify armed groups in order to establish a national army and move towards a sustainable peace agreement for the war-torn nation.