The Abyei Information and Radio Service (AIRS) has announced that it has suspended its operations after communal conflict erupted in Rumamer County of the Abyei Administrative Area over the weekend.
Officials there said youth allegedly from Twic County of neighboring Warrap State attacked the area on Saturday morning. The two communities have been fighting over boundaries since last month.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, the Managing Director for Abyei FM 102.3, Karbino Dut Aguek said his station went off-air on Saturday following the communal violence.
“The radio station halted operations on Saturday due to security reasons because the situation was not good. As you know the fighting was going on within the town and surrounding villages,” Dut said.
Dut noted that until the security situation improves, the radio will remain off-air.
He added that some of the radio equipment and journalists have been relocated to Abyei Town.
The oil-rich disputed region of Abyei has come under attacks from its neighbors in Twic and Misseriya from the north in recent days. Leaders and the civil population have called for urgent intervention to stop the bloodshed and destruction of property.