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Attack on UN Helicopter in South Sudan Kills One Crew Member, Several Soldiers, Spokesman Says

14:55, 8 March 2025

Elizaveta Roschina

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The UN helicopter was sent to South Sudan's Upper Nile State to relocate members of the national People's Defense Forces amid renewed clashes with armed youth, the UN spokesman said, adding that the evacuating mission was requested by signatories of the Revitalized Peace Agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the country.

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A deadly attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan killed one crew member and injured two, while several Sudanese soldiers were also killed, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"Today [Friday] a UN helicopter came under fire as it was attempting to evacuate South Sudanese military personnel in Nasir, in Upper Nile State. A crew member from the UN helicopter was killed, and two others sustained serious injuries. Several members of the South Sudanese military force, including an injured general, were also killed during the attack," Dujarric told a media briefing.

Meanwhile, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the violent attack, suggesting it could constitute a war crime under international law.

"The attack on UNMISS personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law. We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones," Head of the UNMISS Nicholas Haysom noted.

The UNMISS also called for an investigation to hold perpetrators accountable, urging all parties to cease hostilities, according to its statement.

"The mission is calling on all actors to refrain from further violence and for the country’s leaders to urgently intervene to resolve tensions through dialogue and ensure that the security situation in Nasir, and more broadly, does not deteriorate. It is vital that parties adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement," the statement read.

South Sudan's President Salva Kiir urged the nation to stay calm following the incident, reaffirmed his government's commitment to peace and emphasized efforts to stabilize the region.

"Fellow citizens, I am appealing to you to remain calm. I have said it time and again that our country will not go back to war. Let no one take law into their own hands, and I assured you that the government, which I lead, will handle this crisis. We will remain steadfast in the path of peace," the president said in a statement.

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