UN, Abyei authorities give differing toll in latest Abyei clashes
Conflicting casualty figures have emerged after violence in Abyei, with UNISFA reporting 26 deaths and 82 injuries at Amiet Common Market, while Abyei authorities put the toll since September 9 at nine dead and 56 injured.
Diko D Andrew| Madrama James
Conflicting casualty figures have emerged after violence in Abyei, with UNISFA reporting 26 deaths and 82 injuries at Amiet Common Market, while Abyei authorities put the toll since September 9 at nine dead and 56 injured.
UNISFA says the violence on September 15 followed the separate killings of a Ngok Dinka man and a Misseriya man on September 14 and 15, heightening tensions between the two communities.
Following the deadly violence, UNISFA said immediately reinforced its security presence in and around the market and deployed additional forces to de-escalate the situation.
The mission added that it is actively engaged with local authorities and community leaders to restore calm in the area.
“We are actively engaging with the leaders of the two communities who have reiterated their commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the hostilities. On the ground, we are taking all measures to protect civilians and prevent retaliation. Our priority is to prevent further loss of life. We urge all community leaders to embrace dialogue and advance peaceful coexistence,” said Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shreshta.
Abyei Information Minister Yohana Akol Ngor says the violence began with random gunshots on September 9 before escalating between the Misseriya and Nuba communities. He says the clashes followed an earlier shooting involving a Ngok Dinka youth and the killing of another citizen.
“Since Wednesday, 9th of September, there have been some random gunshots in Abyei,” Yohana says, adding that the situation later escalated into conflicts between Misseriya and Nuba communities.
He says tensions worsened on September 14 after a Misseriya man was found dead, with the Misseriya community accusing the Nuba community of responsibility.
“The conflict had expanded from then,” Yohana says, adding that fighting intensified around 6 p.m. between South Sudanese and Misseriya communities.
According to the minister, the violence left 56 people injured and nine killed.
Yohana says the Abyei administration has managed to contain the situation, with those injured receiving treatment at the hospital.
He is calling on residents, particularly young people, to stop the violence and allow disputes to be addressed through the law.
The administration is also urging UNISFA to strengthen its efforts to protect civilians in the area.
Abyei has experienced recurring insecurity involving communities in and around the disputed area, with tensions often affecting civilians and movement. Authorities said the situation has now returned to normal in Abyei town.