UNMISS “strongly” condemns Twic-Ngok clashes, urges restrain

October 18, 2022 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has strongly condemned the resurgence of violence between the Dinka Ngok youth from the Abyei Administrative Area and the Dinka Twic Mayardit youth from Warrap State.

UNMISS, in a statement, expressed concern over hostilities, which started in February this year over the disputed border, with a lull in June, but resumed in late September.

The clashes resulted into loss of lives, injuries and destruction of several properties.

“We urge leaders and authorities from both communities in Abyei and Warrap State to work expeditiously to put an end to these violent clashes, and also prevent any retaliatory attacks,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General.

He added, “Any disputes over the border must be resolved by the appropriate national institutions, and order must be restored quickly to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and humanitarian assistance”.

UNMISS patrol teams, Haysom said, have been traveling through parts of Twic County as authorities, youth and women leaders are engaged to end hostilities.

He welcomed Juba’s decision to deploy troops in the area and probe the incident.

In February, a dispute over territorial claims of ownership of Aneet market escalated into clashes between the two communities, displacing the elderly, women and children. The area also witnessed the destruction of properties and loss of lives.

(ST)