Bulabek Deng Kuol, paramount chief of the Ngok Dinka in the contested area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan says the security situation is deteriorating as the Misseriya Arab tribe crosses to the area for grazing.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the Ngok Dinka tribal leader called on the United Nations Interim Forces for Abyei (UNISFA) to stop further conflicts between local pastoralists and herders from West Kordofan.
Bulabek said the Sunday incident in which about 700 head of cattle were stolen was not a surprise to them.
“We used to tell UNISFA officials that when Misseriya herders come to the area, it’s becomes very easy for their militia to penetrate into the area to raid cattle or cause problems to the local community,” he said.
About 700 cattle from six cattle camps were stolen on Sunday during a raid at Majok-Toch in the disputed Abyei region, according to Ngok Dinka authorities.
The executive director suspected that Sudanese forces were involved in the raid, saying the attackers appeared well-trained.