Four arrested over Twic-Abyei conflict

May 17, 2022 (JUBA) – At least four officials have been arrested for allegedly inciting communal clashes in Abyei as well as Twic county in Warrap state.

Dhieu Mathok, a member of the fact-finding committee investigating the Abyei-Twic conflict, said the suspects were involved in inciting the youth to cause violence.

Mathok, who also doubles as the country’s Investment minister, identified the officials arrested as the Abyei Administrative Area minister for Infrastructure, Mayot Kunit, Rumamer County commissioner, Chol Pur Chol, Alal County commissioner, Akuei Akoon as well as his Twic County counterpart, Deng Tong Goch.

“The committee notices with dismay that the government officials in Abyei Special Administrative Area and Twic County in Warap State are involved in mobilization of youth that led to the resumption of the conflict instead of implementing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in their capacities as local government authorities,” he said in statement issued on Tuesday.

Mathok said those arrested have been summoned to Juba for interrogation.

The fact-finding committee’s statement noted that the decision was meant to contain the fighting and rescue lives and properties of innocent civilians.

It, however, warned that whoever was found to have instigated the violence between the two communities would be held accountable.

Meanwhile, members of the fact-finding committee called on the general public to remain calm and support its efforts in resolving the conflict.

The conflict between the two communities escalated in recent days despite the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal state capital, Aweil in April. The conflict, which started in February, pitted the Ngok Dinka of Abyei Administrative Area and Twic in Warrap State over territorial dispute.

(ST)