UN peacekeepers shelter nearly 200 civilians amid clashes in Abyei

October 11, 2025 (JUBA) – The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the disputed Abyei region has provided shelter to nearly 200 civilians, mostly women and children, following clashes involving elements of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces earlier this week, the UN said on Friday.

In a press briefing, Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, stated that the mission evacuated over 100 civilians from the village of Malual Aleu to the safety of its Kadhian peacekeeping base.

“In the base, the civilians are being provided with shelter, food, water and medical assistance,” Dujarric said.

An additional group of over 90 civilians sought protection independently at the mission’s Rumamier base, located in the southern part of the Abyei Area.

In recent years, Malual Aleu village, which is claimed by both Warrap State’s Twic County and the Abyei area, has been the site of repeated clashes between youth from the two communities.

In response to the violence, the mission has increased its presence on the ground to safeguard civilians and deter further conflict.

“As part of its protection of civilians mandate, the Mission’s Quick Reaction Force has stepped up patrolling in the area to prevent further escalation,” the spokesperson added.

The oil-rich Abyei Area has been a point of contention between Sudan and South Sudan since the latter gained independence in 2011. The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is mandated to demilitarize the area and facilitate humanitarian aid.