In brief
As South Sudan braces for potential civil unrest, a United Nations helicopter was targeted by gunfire while on a mission to assist wounded soldiers. The incident resulted in one crew member dead and two others injured, as political instability threatens the fragile peace established by a 2018 power-sharing agreement.
On March 7, 2025, in Upper Nile State, armed assailants struck the UN aircraft engaged in evacuating soldiers, further escalating fears of renewed conflict in the war-ravaged country. Reports state that the shooting came as the team attempted to airlift soldiers injured in clashes between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and his rival, Vice President Riek Machar.Although it remains unclear how the helicopter was targeted, the White Army faction claimed the violence erupted during the boarding attempts. The incident follows a week marked by intensifying political tensions, fueling concerns among both local citizens and international observers about the future of governance in South Sudan.President Kiir, addressing the nation on Friday, urged peace and resilience, stating that the government "will handle this crisis," while critics argue that he and other leaders have played a pivotal role in these escalating conflicts. The recent turmoil puts the existing power-sharing deal on shaky ground, as forces loyal to both leaders clash frequently in Upper Nile State, raising alarms about a return to civil war.South Sudan's information ministry reported a death toll of 27 soldiers during the helicopter incident; however, independent verification of this claim has yet to occur.
