The border region of Abyei has been contested since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.

Several people including a Ghanaian peacekeeper of the United Nations were killed when “an armed group” launched multiple attacks on Abyei Administrative Area on Saturday, the mission said.

UNISFA said gunmen launched a ferocious offensive on several villages including Nyinkuac, Majbong and Khadian at 4:45 pm leading to casualties.

The Mission said the violence prompted the evacuation of civilians to its bases to provide safety for those caught up in the conflict.

“UNISFA strongly condemns a series of armed attacks that took place at 16:45hrs on 27 January 2024 in the Abyei Area, which resulted in civilian casualties as well as the death of a United Nations peacekeeper from Ghana,” it said in a press statement.

The UN mission said the unnamed Ghanaian national was killed in Agok as the peacekeepers repelled an aggression on its base which opened its doors to fleeing civilians.

“The mission repelled the attack, but tragically a Ghanaian peacekeeper was killed during the incident.”

UNISFA could not be able to provide details about the number of casualties by the time of their statement but said efforts are underway to determine the facts.

The mission “extends its profound condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives as well as the fallen peacekeeper, who gave his life in the service of the people of Abyei. ”

“The mission also wishes all of those who were injured in the attacks a speedy and full recovery.”

The UN said it reaffirms commitment to provide “proactive and robust” protection of civilians as well as support to all efforts to secure peace and security in its area of operations.

The mission further urges a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to these attacks and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.

Deadly violence has continued to prevail in the Bahr el Ghazal region despite President Kiir’s order of an immediate ceasefire.

On December 31, 2023, Abyei’s Deputy Chief Administrator Honorable Noon Deng Nyok was killed along with five others including his bodyguards in a road ambush by gunmen in Agok.