Fighting erupts in Abyei, dozens feared dead

ABYEI – Authorities in Abyei Special Administrative Area said on Sunday that armed groups from Warrap and Northern Bahr el Ghazal states launched attacks across several areas of the disputed territory, resulting in dozens of fatalities and injuries.

Arou Manyiel Arou, the Secretary-General of Abyei Administrative Area, told Sudans Post this afternoon that the clashes began around 6:00 AM and affected the areas of Athony, Malual Aleu, Cuencueny, Wuncueeny, and Nyiel.

He said that the attacking youth were backed by the rebel South Sudan People’s Movement/Army (SSPM/A) led by General Stephen Buay Rolnyang and SSPDF 3^rd Infantry Division commander in Wunyiik Akuei Ajou.

“The armed youth coming from Ajak Kuac in Twic Mayardit are led by commander Gai Machiek of the rebels of Stephen Buay,” he said.

“One person was urgently taken to the hospital, and we counted at least 27 who are wounded. Tragically, the attacks resulted in numerous fatalities, including women and children, and led to the razing of many homes. The dead are many, but we are still counting.

“We’re also witnessing aggression from Northern Bahr el Ghazal. This attack is from armed people there and we are hearing that they are soldiers who were given civilian clothes by division three commander Akuei Ajou to revenge the recent death of one of their officers named Akol,” he added.

He said that “Indications strongly suggest Division 3’s involvement in today’s assault. They attribute Akol’s demise to Abyei youth. General Akuei of Division 3 needs to account for these actions. Simultaneously, Twic youth have been pursuing their agenda for two years.”

When asked of what was being done by his government to stop the violence, Arou said they are in contact with the international community and the national government which he said has not been doing enough to end the conflict.

“We are actively engaging with SSPDF commanders through Twic’s commissioner, urging them to prevent their youth from entering Abyei. We implore the national government to take swift action,” the official said.

Arou emphasized that the conflict rages on in Athony and Malual Aleu, as hostilities continue between the Gelweng and Titbai youth groups.