A paramount chief in the Abyei Administrative Area has said that farming and other livelihood activities have been suspended in many areas due to the conflict between Ngok Dinka and Twic section of Warrap State.

The ongoing conflict commenced in February 2022 after the two communities disagreed over lands that straddle their border. Hundreds of people have been killed from both sides and thousands displaced. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, the Paramount Chief of Ngok Dinka in the Abyei Administrative Area, Bulabek Deng Kuol, said the ongoing conflict has negatively affected food production and education for the last two years.

“Athony, Wun Peth, Kadiang, Mac Buoung and Aneet plus surrounding areas such as Agok, Mading Jok Thiang, Nyinjok, Mayom Ngok, Mayen, and Rumamer were among the affected areas,” he said. “Of course, all agricultural activities were suspended because the areas were deserted since the conflict erupted in 2022.”

According to Paramount Chief Bulabek, the schools within Abyei town are operational but crowded because pupils and students from schools outside the town and far-flung conflicted affected areas have joined them.

“The schools are only operating inside Abyei and other areas with stability and that is why you see they are very crowded,” he stated.

A resident of Abyei’s Aneet area which has witnessed several attacks since the conflict erupted last year, said on condition of anonymity that farming activities require security and stability.

“Peace and security are vital for agricultural activities and if they are absent, people fear that they may be attacked when tilling their lands,” he explained. “The attackers come with heavy weapons while dressed in both civilian clothes and military uniforms. This has made people abandon farming.”