Clashes in Abyei kill 30

February 28, 2011 (WAU) – 30 people have been confirmed dead and 26 wounded following another brake-out of heavy fighting in Abyei on 28 February, between local police and what were believed to be members of the Misseriya tribe.

On 27 February, armed elements allegedly identified as members of the Arab nomadic group from Awalad Mozakina clashed twice with local police resulting in 10 deaths on both sides and several others were injured.

Juac Agok, a deputy SPLM chairman in Abyei, in an interview with Sudan Tribune from Juba on 28 February accused Sudan Armed Forces brigade 31 of launching the new attack on 28 February, saying this is an attempt by the Khartoum based government to tighten their grip on the oil producing region.

“There was another heavy attack today which saw the use of heavy artilleries and tanks. It was carried by the Sudan Armed forces. The three units of the Sudan Armed Forces stationed in Tumisah and Nyama launched the heavy attack. They used a Miseriya as curtain yesterday on Sunday to initiate attack which the followed today”, said Agok.

The senior SPLM official from the oil contested region said he received a report from an official on the ground that the area lost seven troops and four sustained injuries on 27 February but did not have information of the attack which took place on 28 February. “On their side, 8 dead bodies were found yesterday and many others were said to have been wounded because blood indicating some people were carried away was found”, said Agok.

Hassan Musa, the leader of another group from the Misseriya tribe called Awalad Umaran, in an interview with Sudan Tribune confirmed the clash which he said was heavy and accused the SPLA of carrying out the attack. “The SPLA forces in Abyei launched an offensive attack today killing most of the herders. It was a heavy clash because our people refused to leave their homes, which they wanted to take. They have killed 20 and wounded 13,” said Musa, adding that the wounded were taken to Heglig.

Majith Yak, a native of Abyei and a head of local government department in Abyei administration, alleged to be on the National Congress Party (NCP) ticket, condemned the clash and called for immediate removal of the local police. “What happened yesterday and today should not be allowed to continue without speaking about it. The fighting which started yesterday and resumed today is because there is another police force, besides the one that was agreed in Abyei road map. Our people should not allow anyone to be killed because of what individuals think. Correct procedures need to be followed”, Yak told Sudan Tribune from Abyei.

He said 30 people were killed and 26 were wounded in attacks on 28 February. “Today alone, 30 people have been killed and 26 wounded. Is this good? Why should individuals continue to impose things on other people without any reason? There needs to be an end to this conflict”, said Yak.

Locals and officials from Abyei accuse Yak of losing his loyalty to the area with his political allegiance to NCP by supporting the inclusion of the Misseriya in the division Abyei – a position the many Dinka oppose.

(ST)