Ethnic clashes in the Abyei region, situated on the Sudan-South Sudan border and disputed by both nations, resulted in the tragic deaths of nineteen individuals over the weekend, including a humanitarian worker, as reported by local authorities.
The Abyei area, known for its oil wealth, has been a frequent battleground, witnessing 54 fatalities just last week, including two UN peacekeepers.
Last week’s hostilities primarily involved clashes between the Ngok and Twic tribes, both part of the main ethnic Dinka group.
The violence left 64 people injured, exacerbating longstanding tensions between the Abyei-based Ngok and their Twic rivals from the neighboring southern state of Warrap.
Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, the contested region has been under UN protection, yet ongoing conflicts persist.
The Abyei Administrative Authority (AAA) condemned the recent attacks, stating that they defy a presidential order urging a peaceful resolution to the communal conflict between the Ngok Dinka and Twic of the Warrap State.
The AAA reported civilian casualties, the destruction of the market, property looting, and livestock raids during the clashes.
Over the weekend, the AAA disclosed that one person was killed, and three others were abducted on Saturday.
On Sunday, another disturbing attack led to the loss of 18 lives, including four women, three children, and a humanitarian aid worker from Doctors Without Borders, at the hands of Twic youths and armed militiamen.
The tribal conflict, originating in 2022 over land claims in the southern edge of Abyei and the state of Warrap, has persisted despite calls for a ceasefire.
In January, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir appealed for peace after a November clash resulted in at least 32 deaths, marking an ongoing challenge to regional stability.
