Abyei market death toll rises to 40 after violence

The number of people killed in recent violence at the Amiet Common Market in the disputed territory of Abyei has risen to 40, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the area said.

Earlier reports had put the death toll at 26 following the violence on 15 September.

More than 100 people were also injured in the violence, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said in a statement shared with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday.

UNISFA said the security situation at the market is relatively calm but remains fragile. The mission has increased its troop presence and reinforced patrols in and around the area.

It said it was closely monitoring the situation and had intensified engagement with Ngok Dinka and Misseriya traditional leaders to rebuild trust, prevent renewed violence and promote peaceful coexistence.

UNISFA called on both communities to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further violence or retaliation.

“While we are encouraged by the return to calm at Amiet Market, the number of casualties highlights the significant impact of the violence,” said Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, UNISFA’s acting head of mission and force commander.

He said differences between the communities could only be resolved through dialogue, adding that UNISFA would continue to prioritise the protection of civilians and engagement with key stakeholders.

Amiet Market is an important commercial centre and source of livelihoods for members of the predominantly Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities.

Separately, the Paramount Chief of the Ngok Dinka in Abyei, Bulabek Deng Kuol, told Radio Tamazuj that young people from both communities had stepped up security measures to prevent further violence and looting at the market.

He said joint peace committees representing the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities were in communication, and that young people from both sides had agreed to provide security at the market until traditional leaders reached what he described as binding resolutions.

“The security situation has returned to normal, but market activities have not yet resumed,” Deng said.

He said local authorities were assessing the situation before allowing trading activities to resume.

Misseriya community leaders could not immediately be reached for comment.

The Ngok Dinka have permanent settlements in Abyei, while the Misseriya are predominantly pastoralists from Sudan who seasonally move south with their cattle in search of water and grazing land.

The two communities have long-standing economic ties, but disputes over grazing, water and land have periodically led to violence.

Oil-rich Abyei is disputed by Sudan and South Sudan. UNISFA has been deployed in the area to help protect civilians and maintain security.

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