At least 26 people have been killed and 82 others injured in days of intercommunal fighting in Abyei, the disputed region on the border between South Sudan and Sudan. The United Nations said on Thursday that it had reinforced its security presence around Abyei town.
What triggered the violence
The fighting erupted at Amiet Common Market after the separate killings of a Ngok Dinka man on Monday and a Misseriya man on Tuesday, according to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The force said the killings heightened tensions between the two communities around the market.
Similar clashes have involved Ngok Dinka and Misseriya pastoral communities over grazing land and watering points. Misseriya pastoralists from Sudan move south into Abyei during the dry season in search of pasture, while the Ngok Dinka are the region’s permanent residents. Read the context: South Sudan implements UN-backed early drought response to protect vulnerable communities.
Why Abyei remains disputed
Abyei is jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, and both countries claim the oil-rich territory. Its status has remained unresolved since South Sudan became independent from Sudan in 2011.
UNISFA has a force of 3,000 police officers and soldiers whose mission is to protect civilians. Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shreshta said the mission was engaging leaders from both communities, who had reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
UN response
UNISFA said it was taking measures on the ground to protect civilians and prevent retaliation. Its stated priority is to stop further loss of life and support peaceful coexistence between the communities.
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