By Gill Bikram Singh 
A South Sudanese general and dozens of soldiers lost their lives after a United Nations helicopter, sent to evacuate them from the northern town of Nasir, was attacked, government officials confirmed.
The UN condemned the assault as “deeply shocking” and warned it could be considered a war crime, further jeopardizing the fragile peace process in the country.
Clashes Escalate Amid Political Rivalry
The attack comes amid growing tensions between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar, whose power-sharing agreement has been strained by recent clashes in Upper Nile state.
The UN helicopter was deployed to rescue soldiers caught in the conflict between national forces and the White Army, a militia that Kiir’s government claims is aligned with Machar’s loyalists.
In a national address, Kiir confirmed the deaths of General Majur Dak and several soldiers, stating that Machar had assured both the government and the UN that the evacuation would be safe. “I have said time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take the law into their hands,” Kiir urged, calling for restraint.
Uncertainty Over How the Attack Unfolded
South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei reported that approximately 27 soldiers were killed, including a UN crew member. However, details remain unclear about whether the helicopter was hit in the air or while still on the ground.
Tensions have been rising in Nasir, with Kiir’s allies accusing Machar’s forces of working alongside the White Army, a militia group mainly composed of ethnic Nuer youths—Machar’s own community.
Machar’s spokesperson, Puok Both Baluang, did not comment on the attack but has previously denied his party’s involvement in the fighting.
UN Demands Investigation and Accountability
Nicholas Haysom, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), denounced the attack, stating that it may constitute a war crime under international law. He called for a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the recent detention of top officials aligned with Machar, including the petroleum minister, the peacebuilding minister, and high-ranking military figures. The arrests risk further destabilizing the 2018 peace agreement.
Fears of Renewed Civil War
The White Army played a key role in the 2013-2018 civil war, fighting alongside Machar’s forces against Kiir’s predominantly Dinka loyalists. Experts warn that escalating violence could plunge South Sudan back into full-scale conflict.
“South Sudan is rapidly sliding toward war,” cautioned Alan Boswell, an expert on the Horn of Africa. He urged the UN to strengthen peacekeeping efforts to prevent potential large-scale ethnic violence.
The UN has called on all parties to step back from violence and engage in dialogue to prevent further deterioration.
Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, nearly 20,000 UN peacekeepers have been stationed in the country, playing a crucial role in maintaining stability. However, with tensions escalating, the risk of renewed conflict remains high.