JUBA: Abyei, a disputed area on the Sudan-South Sudan border, has witnessed a surge in violence over the weekend, resulting in the deaths of about 40 people, mostly civilians. The clashes primarily involve rival factions within the Dinka ethnic group, with tensions escalating due to a longstanding dispute over the location of an administrative boundary that significantly impacts cross-border trade tax revenue.
Abyei, an oil-rich region jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, has been a contentious point of contention between the two nations. The recent violence, occurring on February 2 and 3, saw several markets set ablaze, properties looted, and a grim toll of 19 civilians killed, along with 18 others sustaining injuries, according to Bulis Koch, the region’s information minister.
Violence Near Sudan and South Sudan Disputed Border
In a separate series of attacks on Sunday, an additional 18 people were killed, including three children and a local staff member associated with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The clashes displaced hundreds of people, prompting them to seek refuge in the compound of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) peacekeeping force.
Information Minister Bulis Koch revealed that young men from neighboring Warrap state and a militia linked to rebel and spiritual leader Gai Machiek participated in the violent incidents. As of now, there has been no immediate response from Warrap State’s information minister Willima Wol, MSF South Sudan, or UNISFA regarding the situation.
This incident follows a similar outbreak of violence in late January, where at least 54 people, including women, children, and two UN peacekeepers, were killed in attacks within the same area. The ongoing conflict has left over 2,000 people seeking shelter at UNISFA’s compound.
