At least two people were reported killed and four others injured Thursday morning in two separate attacks in the disputed area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan.
Abyei health minister Albino Nhiar Aguer said the first attack took place this morning killing one person and wounding another. He said the attackers took cattle which were later recovered by UN peacekeepers near Abyei Church at one in the morning.
Aguer said the same attackers returned at 2:00 am and clashed with local youths south of Abyei, leaving another person dead and three wounded.
The health minister said the three wounded in the second attack were taken to a hospital run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Agok for medical attention, while the first wounded person was taken to a United Nations medical complex for treatment.
Aguer accused militia supported by the Khartoum government of carrying out the attacks.
Wounded in critical condition
Spokesperson for the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) Daniel Adekera confirmed the incident. “At about 0158 yesterday sporadic gunshots were heard in the eastern part of Abyei town, precisely at a cattle camp near the Catholic Church in central Abyei town. This, according to preliminary investigations was an attempt by a group of criminals to steal cattle.”
Adekera said UNISFA troops responded immediately forcing the attackers to abandon the stolen cattle.
“In addition, our troops blocked the obvious escape route for the criminals. This made them take a detour towards Miokol Alei in the eastern part of the town where they shot and killed one person and wounded three others before they escaped.”
Adekera said one person was killed and two injured at the first incident by the church. He said the two wounded were taken to UNISFA Level II hospital. One was treated and discharged while the other is still in a critical condition in the hospital, he said.
The UNISFA spokesperson said the mission is deeply concerned and strongly condemns these attacks. “Those responsible would be fished out and dealt with accordingly as permitted by the UNSC mandate,” Adekera warned.
Ngok leader calls for peace
Ngok Dinka tribal leader Nyol Fagot Deng accused a Khartoum-supported militia of the violence. Nyol reiterated his side’s commitment to peaceful co-existence with the Misseriya Arab tribe who also claim ownership of Abyei territory.
Last week, a four-year-old girl and an Ethiopian peacekeeper were killed and three others injured during shelling of the house of the Ngok Dinka paramount chief. In mid-November, 13 Arab traders were killed in Abyei by an unknown armed group.
There have been no arrests reported in connection with either incident.