South Sudan VP on fact finding mission to Abyei

March 23, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Vice President for services cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol is on a fact-finding visit to Abyei.

The official’s visit comes in the wake of recent clashes along the border between Warrap state and the Abyei administrative area, which left more than 16 people dead and over 50,000 displaced from their homes.

Last month, President Salva Kiir appointed Akol to lead a team tasked with establishing facts behind deteriorating relations between Twic and Abyei.

Akol is deputized by the governor of Unity State, Joseph Monytuil while. Other members of the fact-finding committee include, Dhieu Mathok Diing Wol, Akol Koor Kuc, Majak Akech Malok, Wal Achien and Deng Alor Kuol.

The committee is expected to visit the scene of the incident and hold talks with traditional leaders, local authorities and conduct an investigation with anyone it feels would provide information precipitating the recent clashes.

“We have arrived in Abyei town ahead of tomorrow’s sessions of an investigation into Aneet disputes on the selected informants after we completed that of Twic county”, said Akol.

Describing as “unfortunate” the recent incident involving communities in Twic and Abyei region, the Vice President called for peace and harmony.

Akol said he directed the Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management minister to coordinate with humanitarian partners how the situation could be ameliorated.

He said displaced persons need food, shelter, medicine and clean water.

The conflict pitting the two communities over territorial claim and ownership has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation as it displaced people after the markets and surrounding areas were set ablaze, causing loss to properties.

(ST)