Officials from the disputed Abyei region and Twic State met in Abyei last week to discuss security concerns in Agok, Abyei Today reported.

The government of Twic government had dispatched a high-level delegation led by Turalei Commissioner Santino Amol and Ajakuac Commissioner Makol Bol to meet Rummamer Commissioner Mayot Kundeet in Agok.

The move follows increased cases of insecurity including cattle raids and attacks by unknown gunmen.

Cattle belonging to Northern Liech State traders were raided and another cattle raid occurred in Mading Jiech. Although some of the cattle were recovered in Aweng County of Twic state, no arrests have been made so far.

Ring Minyiel Dau, who works in Aniet market said, “I think cattle raid rivalry between Northern Liech and Twic states is occurring in Abyei. This would damage peaceful coexistence between South Sudanese communities in the region.”

Separately, Abyei Today reported that two MSF employees were attacked by unknown gunmen. John Jal, a translator in MSF hospital in Agok, was shot at night while returning to his house, he died a few days later. The other was injured. 

Two suspects from Twic State have been arrested and are under investigation in connection with the incident.

The officials denounced allegations that South Sudanese living or working in Abyei are targeted, and urged people not to take the law in their hands, saying that the law will take its course.