UNISFA condemns attacks on civilians, killing of peacekeeper

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) condemns the recent attacks on civilians of Abyei and the killing of a peacekeeper.

According to the press statement, a series of armed attacks took place on 27 January 2024 in the Abyei area, which resulted in civilian casualties as well as the death of a United Nations peacekeeper, Ghanian national.

The mission confirmed that the inter-communal clashes took place in the Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas.

The UNISFA report said efforts are underway to verify the number of those killed, injured, and displaced in the violence.

In addition, the UNISFA base in Agok came under attack by an armed group and the mission repelled the attack, but tragically a Ghanaian peacekeeper was killed.

The mission strongly condemns the violence and extends its profound condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives.

The UNISFA reaffirms its commitment to carrying out its mandate to provide proactive and robust protection of civilians as well as support to all efforts to maintain peace and security in the areas.

The mission urges a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to those attacks and to ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable.

In September 2023, attacks flared up in the border area between Twic Dinka and Ngok Dinka youth, with several deaths recorded on both sides. The government initiated peace but could not technically end the land dispute between the two communities.