The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was on a humanitarian evacuation mission aimed at reducing tensions after fierce clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a loose network of Nuer youth fighters.
The White Army recently overran government positions in Nasir, escalating violence in the region. During the evacuation, the helicopter came under heavy fire while attempting to transport wounded SSPDF officers, including General Dak.
Tragically, the general and his team lost their lives. Despite the attack, one helicopter managed to escape but later crash-landed in Malakal, killing all passengers on board. In a national address, President Kiir expressed sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for peace and restraint.
'Fellow citizens, I urge you to remain calm. I have said this time and again: our country will not return to war. No one should take the law into their own hands. My deepest condolences go to the families of General Dak and his men,' President Kiir stated.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the attack, calling it 'abhorrent' and a potential war crime under international law.
'We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,' Haysom said. 'We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.'
The situation in Nasir has further heightened tensions and disrupted South Sudan's fragile peace process. There are allegations that the opposition may be supporting the White Army.
The South Sudanese government has responded by arresting senior officials from the opposition Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In-Opposition (SPLM-IO), including the Minister of Petroleum, Puot Kang, and SPLA-IO Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam.
Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to prevent further escalation. Kenyan President William Ruto has stepped in to mediate, holding talks with President Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar.
'I implored both leaders to engage in dialogue towards fostering peace in the country even as the region works towards the stabilization of South Sudan under IGAD's Strategic Framework,' President Ruto said in a statement.
The attack on the UN helicopter has underscored the growing insecurity in South Sudan, where ongoing political and ethnic tensions threaten to unravel the country's Revitalized Peace Agreement.
UNMISS continues to call on all parties to cease hostilities and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises.
IGIHE
