Calm has returned to the Abyei Administrative Area following a deadly attack in Athony village last week, which resulted in the loss of five lives. However, senior officials in Abyei and Warrap have traded accusations of mobilizations of armed youth on either side.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Deng Ali, Alal County Commissioner in the Abyei area, confirmed the improved security situation and noted that humanitarian and commercial vehicles are now able to move freely.
Commissioner Deng Ali stated, “The security situation is stable. However, there is uncertainty due to the reorganization of youth from Twic County in Warrap State, who have previously launched attacks from unknown locations. Nevertheless, the youth in Abyei tend to follow the directives of the authorities.”
He added that people and business trucks are moving without obstruction. He explained, “The movement continues because the South Sudan People’s Defense Force is in control of the area, from Athony to Nyin-Deng Ayuel, despite potential challenges posed by the rainy season affecting vehicle movement.”
Furthermore, Mathiang Wuor, Rumamer County Commissioner in the Abyei Area, offered his perspective. He stated, “The security situation is satisfactory, although it’s worth noting that two days ago, armed youths from Twic were observed near Mabuony village. However, they did not engage in any acts of violence or confiscate any property. We can confirm that there is no evidence of armed youth regrouping in Anneet.”
For his part, Simon Aguek, Twic County Commissioner in Warrap State, acknowledged the overall calmness in the region. He expressed concern that Abyei youth had reportedly been seen in the Aneet area, moving in groups, which raised suspicions that they might be planning an attack on Ajakuac or other neighbouring areas.
“The security situation across the county is relatively calm. There have been no reported incidents since the Athony attack, which resulted in the loss of one life from our community,” he said.
“However, there is a sense of unease in Aneet due to an intelligence report indicating the presence of armed Abyei youth in the area. They have been seen in groups, creating a general feeling that an attack on Ajakuac or other nearby areas may occur soon,” he added.
A land dispute has persisted between the two communities of Abyei and Twic despite mediation attempts by community leaders and authorities.
Also, Sudan and South Sudan are still disputing the oil-rich Abyei area. The two countries have yet to agree on the border mapping since South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was deployed in June 2011 to protect civilians under the imminent threat of physical violence.