S. Sudan’s Kiir orders end to escalation in Abyei-Twic conflict
June 27, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has ordered an immediate end to the escalation involving communities in the Abyei administrative area against a section of Twic county in Warrap State.
The clashes on Sunday, claimed lives and destruction of properties occurred, with each side involved in the conflict blaming the other party.
Local authorities in Twic County, told Sudan Tribune on Monday, that several attacks were carried out on their territories by armed youth groups from Abyei, resulting in the loss of several lives and destruction of properties.
The clashes occurred in the villages of Nyin Deng Ayuel, Mading-Acueng, Majok and Athony, consequently displacing hundreds of the population.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Monday, the Presidential Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjaimn said Kiir was “upset” by the outbreak of conflict.
“General Salva Kiir Mayardit is upset by reports of the resumption of clashes in which lives have been lost between our people in Abyei and Twic. This is unnecessary. A high-level committee was formed and His Excellency has received the report and the leadership is working on the modalities of how to address the matter”, he explained.
Marial said the South Sudanese leader spoke to all relevant officials and military command and gave them directives to ensure escalation stopped.
“Of course, directives have been given to the relevant institutions. His Excellency has spoken to the military leaders and all those who should ensure there is no tension, no continuing reports of fighting here and there. The people should wait for the directives on the best modalities. The recommendations are there. People know the president is committed to finding a solution to address the root cause. This is I think it is not right to continue to lose lives”, said Marial.
The President, according to the minister, sent condolences to the affected family members and loved ones who have been affected by the conflict on both sides. He said the government regrets death and condemned the resumption of clashes in which properties have been destroyed.
The office of the vice president and chairperson of the service cluster, Hussein Abdel Bagi Akol, also called for respect to the cessation of hostilities agreement that the two sides signed in April. Akol headed the fact-finding committee that investigated clashes involving communities in both regions.
Meanwhile, Ajang Deng Miyen, the Abyei information minister confirmed that clashes indeed took place on Sunday in Malou and Athony villages.
Malek Ring, the Twic County executive director said the incident claims lives, and people who participated in the clashes have sustained injuries and are now seeking medical care at Mayen Abun.
He did not, however, disclose the numbers of people killed, pointing to a lack of accurate information on the number of people involved.
“There are people peddling lies in the media to cause confusion and exacerbate the situation. These incidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday. There is no clear information yet. We are still collecting information to get a clear picture of what actually happened and who was involved. Now I am hearing and I would like to emphasize to your audience that this is not yet clear, that 2 people are wounded and they are in Mayen Abun. Others are said to have been killed”, said Ring
He revealed that a clash at Abiyual village is reported to have witnessed people wearing military uniforms and carrying heavy machine guns.
Ring claimed those injured were taken away in the direction of Abyei.
(ST)