Abyei official accuses Sudanese militias of attacking civilians
April 13, 2022 (JUBA) – The chief administrator of Abyei region, Kuol Deim Kuol has accused armed militias and nomads from neighbouring Sudan of multiple attacks, causing massive displacements and destroying properties.
“The Sudanese militia with armed nomads have increased hostilities recently. This month alone, there has been more than three incidents of attacks. This has now caused displacement, loss of lives, and destruction of properties”, Kuol told Sudan Tribune on Wednesday.
He said the nomads and other armed groups have taken advantage of the absence of military personnel in the disputed area currently under the protection of the United Nations Interim Forces for Abyei (UNISFA).
“They have been evading where there are members of UNISFA”, said Kuol.
“This is quite unfortunate and authorities are only talking to our people and the government in Juba through the office of the president and the ministry of foreign affairs, the leadership of UNISFA to convey to the government of Sudan what is happening on the ground. The members of Misseriya and other armed groups have increased hostilities”, he added.
The continuous, Kuol argued, was to discourage the population from clearing their land for cultivation as the planting season fast approaches.
According to the official, armed men attacked a village in Amethaguok County on Wednesday evening and similar attacks occurred in Lou village.
“As we talk, fighting is continuing in Lou. Sounds of gunfire are being heard and if you were in Abyei you would hear the sounds yourself”, said Kuol
UNISFA could, however, not immediately comment when reacted on the matter.
A UN source told Sudan Tribune Wednesday that reports of gunfire north of the town were obtained and a monitoring team sent to probe the matter.
Abyei is an area on the border between South Sudan and Sudan that has been accorded “special administrative status” by the 2004 Protocol on the Resolution of the Abyei Conflict in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the second Sudanese civil war.
(ST)