Armed youth from Twic attack Abyei’s Aneet

JUBA – Fighting erupted on Friday afternoon at Aneet Market after armed youth from Twic County of Warrap state attacked a group of government officials from Abyei who were surveying the area, local authorities in Abyei have said.

“Yesterday, we were going to survey the Anet Market because we want to organize it, but some people from Twic Mayardit said they are the one who should take those measures like of organizing the market because it belongs to them,” one official said on condition of anonymity.

“The official said those who were working as tax collectors at Anet Market who come from Twic County then mobilized youth to attack us and this is the reason why people in the area and the market has been closed,” the official added.

The senior Abyei government official said soldiers from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) have taken control of Anet Market and that the situation has subsided, but four people have so far been killed.

“The UNISFA soldiers arrived yesterday to the scene of the fighting and took control of Anet market and they are protecting the people there because the SSPDF is unable to provide protection,” the official said.

“Unfortunately, around four people have been killed and twelve others have been wounded and they are receiving treatment at an MSF hospital. We call on the national government to intervene to avoid further violence,” he added.