Soldiers in Abyei. (File photo/courtesy).

The Ajak Kuac Community has distanced itself from the deadly attack on a market in the Abyei Administrative Area at the weekend.

On Monday, the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee said 14 people were killed and 17 others wounded at Nyinkuac market in Abyei town.

The committee on September 30^th said the attack was carried out by armed forces from Twic Mayardit.

In a separate statement, the Abyei Civil Society Organization said the attack was carried out by armed Twic youth and forces allied to Gai Machiek.

In response, Ajak Kuac says the Twic area does not have any rebel or militia groups or opposition against the government of South Sudan.

In a press release on Tuesday, October 3, seen by Eye Radio, the association said Gai Machiek who has been accused, is a civilian and cattle keeper who voluntarily resided in Twic since 2020 before the conflict erupted two years later.

According to the community, the conflict between Twic and Ngok Dinka was caused by a land dispute.

It adds that Twic does not have any claim of land or interest north of River Kiir and is committed to peace and dialogue between the two communities.

Early this year, UNISFA echoed the Security Council’s request to both Sudan and South Sudan to ensure that the Abyei area is demilitarized from any forces, as well as armed elements of the local communities.