Flag of the Troika countries. (Courtesy).

The embassies of Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States in South Sudan have condemned the attacks on Abyei Administrative Area, which resulted in the death of over 50 people.

The Western countries voiced their “deepest” condolences to the bereaved families of the peacekeepers and the civilians who lost their lives.

In a press statement on Monday, Troika said: “We denounce in the strongest terms the targeting of United Nations peacekeepers and call for those responsible for these attacks to be held accountable.”

“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in recent months between communities living in and around the Abyei Administrative Area.”

The international observers called on South Sudanese political and community leaders to immediately act to end the conflict.

“All leaders who have influence with involved communities and who fail to use it to support peace are demonstrating their disregard for the interests of their people.”

Deadly violence has escalated to its worst level at the Abyei-Warrap border as well as in the Bahr el Ghazal region despite President Kiir’s recent order of an immediate ceasefire.

Abyei’s Deputy Chief Administrator Honorable Noon Deng Nyok was killed on December 31, 2024, along with five others including his bodyguards in a road ambush by gunmen in Agok.