UNISFA condemns renewed intercommunal violence in Abyei
February 1 2023 (ABYEI) – The United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei has “strongly” condemned the renewed intercommunal violence threatening the security situation in and around the southern part of Abyei.
According to the latest report from local authorities, a cattle rustling incident resulted in the death of 18 people while nine others were injured.
On January 27, youths from Abyei box allegedly attacked the villages of Makuac/Madou, Tongliet and Makueibum in Twic County.
At least five Nuer and two Dinka Ngok youths were reportedly among those killed and hundreds of cattle allegedly rustled were yet to be recovered.
“UNISFA strongly condemns this attack, regrets the loss of lives and calls for the immediate disarmament of armed youths in the general area, and enjoins the two communities to restrain from engaging in further arms conflict and join hands with UNISFA, UNMISS, and the Government of South Sudan in finding a lasting solution to the crisis,” partly reads the statement.
The mission called on local authorities in southern Abyei, traditional leaders, women groups, the youths, and the Government of South Sudan which have been working very hard to address the increasing tensions and reported mobilization of youths on both sides to de-escalate the situation.
The mission further urged the parties to work with government authorities to quickly find lasting solutions to the crisis and promote peaceful co-existence.
Meanwhile UNISFA has reiterated its commitment to the implementation of its mandate and readiness to work with the local authorities to find an inclusive solution to the conflict in Abyei, stressing that it is working closely with humanitarian partners to facilitate humanitarian access to the affected population and protect the rights of the most vulnerable, in particular, women and children.
On January 5, a similar attack on the Rumamier village in Abyei Box by the Twic Dinka left at least 14 people dead and four others injured.
(ST)