Abyei deputy chief administrator killed in road ambush, authorities urge national probe

JUBA – Local authorities in Abyei Special Administrative Area have urged the Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to launch an investigation into the killing of Noon Deng Nyok, the Deputy Chief Administrator of Abyei, along with five others.

The ambush occurred on December 31, 2023, when Deputy Chief Administrator General Noon Deng Nyok, accompanied by five others, including two bodyguards, was attacked, and fatally shot by suspected armed youth.

They were en route to Agok to attend New Year Prayers at Jouljok Parish.

Bulis Koch Aguar, the Minister of Information in Abyei Administrative Areas, strongly urged the national government to thoroughly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The government of Abyei Special Administrative Area condemns in the strongest terms possible the barbaric killing and targeting of government officials by Tribal militias and calls upon the National government and all the security organs to immediately investigate this crime and bring perpetrators into the book,” Koch said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Monday.

Koch expressed a belief that the assassination of the top official was a direct consequence of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) failing to protect Abyei Box and its citizens, expressing disappointment with UNISFA’s inability to uphold its mandate in safeguarding the area.

In response, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemned the incident, characterizing it as an ambush that resulted in the tragic deaths of Noon Deng Nyok, the Deputy Chief Administrator of Abyei, and five others near Agok.

UNISFA acknowledged Nyok as a committed individual dedicated to fostering unity and peace within his community and extended its deepest condolences to his colleagues, family, friends, and the wider community deeply impacted by the loss.

The mission cautioned that such appalling violence jeopardizes the progress made toward resolving the challenging situation in Southern Abyei and urged all parties to demonstrate restraint and collaborate in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

“UNISFA extends its deepest condolences to his colleagues, including the Chief Administrator and members of Abyei Administration, as well as his family, friends and the wider community who are deeply affected by this tragic loss,” part of the UNISFA statement reads.

Edmund Yakani, Executive Director for the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), condemned the killing, calling for President Salva Kiir’s intervention to address the violence between Ngok Dinka and Twic.

“This marks a somber end to the year 2023 for Abyei and South Sudan as a whole. The culprits must be held accountable for this criminal act,” Yakani stated, urging the armed youth of Dinka Ngok and Twic to seek peaceful dialogue to resolve their disputes.

“Kindly utilize peace dialogue for sorting out your political and community disputes. President act now on this deadly violence which already has elements of crime against humanity,” Yakani added.

Brig. Gen. Noon Deng Nyok was appointed Deputy Chief Administrator of Abyei Special Administrative Area, on 27th March 2023 via the Chief Administrator’s Decree No. (06) 2023.