Peter Gatdet Shot Down UNMISS Helicopter in Unity State

For Immediate Release
26/08/2014
Despite the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Matrix between the Government of South Sudan and Riek Machar in Addis Ababa on August, 25, renegade Peter Gatdet Yak shot down the UNMISS helicopter Number UN0537 at 3:15 pm at a place called Juach, which is ten kilometers from Bentiu town. The area where the helicopter was brought down is part of Rubkona County. The helicopter was flying to UN base in Juba when it was brought down by Peter Gatdet’s forces with a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG 7). When UNMISS sent a rescue team to the place where the helicopter was brought down, they found one survivor but sadly the other three crew were killed.
Recently, Peter Gatdet warned the UNMISS Chief of Security in Unity State that he was not going to abide by any ceasefire agreement signed between Riek Machar and the Government. He seriously warned the UNMISS last Thursday that he was ready to shoot down UN planes should they fly over territories under his control. Today at 3:15 pm, he confirmed his warning by shooting down the UN helicopter Number 0537.
The deliberate shooting of UNMISS helicopter is not something surprising because last Saturday, Peter Gatdet impounded UNMISS helicopter at Wichok, where a government member of IGAD Verification and Monitoring Team died after he was physically, emotionally and psychological harassed and mistreated by the rebels.
The incident is now a proof beyond a reasonable doubt to the international community that Mr. Riek Machar has no control over Peter Gatdet and other rebel warlords. Therefore, the IGAD needs to evaluate its mediation strategy because Riek Machar has no control on the ground and should be considered immaterial when it comes to the need to cease hostilities between the rebels and the government.
The Government of South Sudan is profoundly disturbed by the loss of three UNMISS members who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity. The government of South Sudan expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of UNMISS members killed by Peter Gatdet today. The Government of South Sudan is therefore urging the UN Security Council, AU and IGAD to take a serious measure against Peter Gatdet.

For contact:
Gordon Buay
Member of SPLA Other Armed Groups Integration Committee
Washington, D.C.
Email: mailto:[email protected]@hotmail.com

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