4 US soldiers injured during an evacuation in South Sudan (Update 2)

(BRUSSELS2) Four American soldiers were injured during a " evacuation operation of American citizens » from the city of Bor in South Sudan, announced in the day the HQ of Africom in Stuttgart (command of the American forces in Africa). As the three CV-22 Ospreys were approaching the town, they were " caught under small arms fire from unknown forces ».

Fire against American helicopters

These did not appear to be firing in the air but were indeed aiming at the aircraft. The three Ospreys have, in fact, been “affected”. And 4 special forces soldiers who were on board the aircraft were apparently quite seriously injured. The damaged devices were at once « diverted to Entebbe in Angola and then the wounded transferred aboard a US Air Force C-17 which transported them to be hospitalized in Kenya”. All four are in stable condition “says the press release. On Thursday (December 19), a UN camp housing civilians was attacked in Akobo (Jonglei) causing the death of three Indian blue helmets from UNMISS (or UNMISS).

African Mission of Good Offices

This violence is condemned by the international community. John Kerry, US Secretary of State, phoned the President of South Sudan overnight from Friday to Saturday to commit him to the path of reconciliation and protect civilians (see communicated). The European Union has reacted little for the moment, except for a press release from the local delegation asking the two parties to engage in a dialogue by welcoming the mission of good offices of the African Union and the 'IGAD (the regional organization for Eastern Africa) and the President-in-Office " to release – as a gesture of goodwill – arrested politicians who were not involved in the fighting” (Download here the press release). The post of EU Special Representative for Sudan and South Sudan has been abolished. And the PSDC mission at Juba airport is closing its doors.

Vast offensive

Government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir have, in fact, undertaken a vast counter-offensive against the "rebels" of ex-Vice-President Machar (author of a coup d'etat). And both civilians and foreign nationals are caught in the crossfire in several regions, seeking refuge in international forums. South Sudan, whose independence had been supported by the international community - and mainly the United States and Europe - escapes its companions and falls back into the trap that has marked it for years: confrontation, violence and massacres . In a region that is not lacking in instability - the Central African Republic is very close - this is more than worrying.

380 "officials" and American citizens and about 300 citizens

(UPDATE) A State Department spokesman announced on Sunday (December 22) that a second operation to evacuate nationals - Americans and foreigners - stuck in Bor had succeeded in the morning. UN and US (civilian) helicopters helped repatriate Bor nationals to Juba. " The USA - and the United Nations which is responsible for securing Bor airport - have taken measures to ensure that the various fighters are well aware that these flights had a humanitarian mission”. Apparently the first intervention was a little too muscular and military. According to a final report, 380 "officials" and American citizens were thus evacuated as well as about 300 citizens of other countries to Nairobi on board 4 flights chartered by the State Department and 5 military aircraft says Jen Psaki of the State Department. " Other US citizens may have left the country by other means ". But there are still citizens stuck in parts of the country. “We are working with our allies to contact and evacuate US citizens as quickly and as safely as possible. he assures, adding. " For their safety, we do not communicate the specific evacuation plans that will be taken ". Special forces on the way...