South Sudan’s People Defence Forces (SSPDF) have been implicated in an attack that led to the deaths of 40 individuals in Abyei, a disputed area.
According to Sultaan Bulabek, leader of Abyei’s nine chiefdoms, soldiers collaborated with armed youth from Twic county, Warrap state, launching coordinated assaults in multiple villages.
He claimed the attack aimed to displace the Ngok community from their homes.
A resident, speaking anonymously to the BBC, reported the death of a cousin in the attack. Heavy artillery prevented retrieval of the body from the scene.
However, Maj Gen Akuei Ajou, commander of SSPDF’s third division, refuted the allegations. He stated that their mission was to protect individuals between Twic and Abyei, denying involvement in the assaults.
Gen Ajou further mentioned that Abyei’s youth instigated an attack on a military base, resulting in casualties, including seven soldiers and civilians, including children, on November 13.
In response to the escalating violence, a joint statement by the embassies of Norway, the UK, and the US urged South Sudan to withdraw its troops from Abyei, aiming to prevent further hostilities.
Abyei has long been a subject of contention between Sudan and South Sudan. Recently, the UN Security Council extended the peacekeepers’ mandate for a year. These troops have been stationed in Abyei since 2011.
