UN says joint armed Nuer, Dinka Twic youth behind deadly Abyei attack

JUBA, January 4^th 2023 (Sudans Post) – The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said in a statement on Tuesday that deadly attack in the disputed Abyei region against civilians was carried out by a joint force of armed Nuer and Dinka Twic youth.

In the early hours of Monday, 13 people were killed in an attack in southern Abyei region.  The deadly attack which has been condemned by officials in the state also resulted in the wounding of five more people and burning to ashes of 27 houses.

“A combined armed group of Nuer and Twic Dinka launched an early morning attack on the Rumamer village, 15 kilometres south of Abyei Box, killing thirteen persons and injuring five others (all Ngok Dinkas) while some 27 houses in the village were burnt down,” the UNISFA said in the statement seen by independent news website Radio Tamazuj.

While saying that the attack was “effectively contained” by the UN peacekeepers, the statement said that the assault was well-planned and involved approximately 200 youth from the Nuer (apparently from Unity State) and Dinka Twic of Warrap.

“UNISFA troops are currently patrolling the area to locate the remaining attackers and prevent any further attacks. They are also protecting the Rumamer village and facilitating the return of local civilians who fled their homes. The troops have been put on high alert in the general area where the incident occurred,” the statement added.

UNISFA statement further said that it has launched an investigation to expose the circumstances leading to the deadly attack.

The attack is one of many in less than a year. In 2022, attacks on Abyei escalated after fighting over the ownership of the Aneet Market. Three months ago, fighting erupted in southern Abyei after armed youth from neighboring Warrap launched an attack killing many and displacing more.