Abyei security situation remains tense, says UN chief
May 6, 2024 (ABYEI) – The security situation in the Abyei Area has remained tense, with increased casualties associated with intercommunal clashes in southern and central Abyei, the UN Secretary General said in a report to the Security Council.
The report, covering the period from 4 October 2023 to 15 April 2024, provides updates on, among others, political and security developments, women and young people, peace and security, human rights and the humanitarian situation, as well as on the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM).
It also provides updates on the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Sudan on Abyei and on the operations of the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei (UNISFA).
The main threats to security, according to the report, were related to intercommunal clashes, animal rustling and abductions. These dynamics, it noted, are exacerbated by the proliferation of arms.
The relationship between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities remained a concern, while new clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Nuer communities in Abyei broke out during the period under review, the Secretary General observed.
The ongoing conflict in the Sudan also affected the security situation, including the continued movement of displaced persons from the Sudan into Abyei, creating tensions over resources.
There were an estimated 175 arms-related incidents; 73 of the incidents resulted in an estimated 257 deaths and 207 injuries, including during 13 intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities, 7 between the Ngok Dinka and Nuer communities, and 1 between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya.
At least four intercommunal clashes appeared to be coordinated attacks during which fighting took place simultaneously in different locations in Sector South, namely in Majbong, Abatok, Kadhian and Korioch, on 19 November, 3 December, 27 January and 4 February, respectively.
The report presented to the Security Council cited the increased intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and the Twic Dinka communities.
13 intercommunal clashes occurred, resulting in 139 deaths and 51 injuries.
The Secretary General expressed concerns over the presence of South Sudanese security forces in Abyei, concerned about the freedom of movement restrictions imposed on UNISFA troops and personnel in southern Abyei by security forces, which undermine the mandate of the mission.
He called upon the Government of South Sudan to ensure that its forces end the occupation of schools and the community protection committee detention facility in the Agok area.
Meanwhile, UNISFA recorded 14 incidents of kidnapping during the reporting period, which affected a total of 44 victims, including men, women and children.
Three of the kidnapping incidents reportedly involved a demand for ransom.
Between 7 January and 2 April, the UN police investigated four kidnappings and three cases of possession of arms and ammunition. Among the people investigated for the possession of arms and ammunition were eight Sudanese nationals, including four alleged members of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The Secretary General said the presence of an estimated 1,400 personnel of the South Sudan’s military(SSPF) and 300 personnel of the South Sudan National Police Service stationed in the southern part of Abyei is a violation of the Agreement between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement on temporary arrangements for the administration and security of the Abyei Area, of 2011, as well as the demilitarized and weapons-free status of Abyei.
(ST)