Warrap governor denies direct involvement in Abyei attack  

JUBA (SUDAN TRIBUNE) – The governor of South Sudan’s Warrap State, Aleu Ayieny Aleu has denied involvement in clashes pitting the Twic community against sections of the Ngok Dinka inhabitants of Abyei region.

On March 6, attacks allegedly carried out by the Misseriya herders resulted in to the death of 27 people in the disputed border region.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, Aleu said territorial disputes between the Twic and Ngok were internal matters that require dialogue.

“When brothers are in dispute, the father takes no side.  He looks for a solution by working hard to ensure the cause of the dispute is identified and the problem is solved. This is exactly what president Salva Kiir has done. It has formed an investigation committee to investigate and find out the cause of tension and violent behaviour which resulted in the unfortunate loss of lives and properties”, he said.

The governor said he learned of attacks from the Sudanese side by word of mouth and was not officially notified about what actually transpired.

He said it was high time truth was separated from propaganda, cautioning against lies on social media.

“These are the people we should identify and speak to them.  They are not helping they are escalating the conflict and indeed it is the manner in which the information is passed by these people in the social media which is causing tension and clashes. These people need to stop. They are fueling the conflict,” stressed Aleu.

He added, “Hate speech kills and people engaged in these activities, conducting live video on Facebook, and making hateful comments should be identified”.

The disputed area recently witnessed increased tension, which resulted into loss of lives and destruction of properties.

According to the United Nations humanitarian agency (UNOCHA), more than 50,000 people have been affected by the conflict in Abyei

“The majority of people fled to Abyei town, while others sought refuge in areas further south, with more than 20,400 people registered in Twic County in Warrap State”, reads a statement puts out UNOCHA.

It further said some people moved closer to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) compound in Abyei for safety. Humanitarian operations in affected areas were suspended. Aid workers were relocated for safety. UNISFA said reportedly providing security to humanitarian compounds and warehouses in affected areas.