The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) says it is greatly alarmed and deeply disturbed by the renewed clashes between the Twic and Ngok Dinka communities in Agok, south of Abyei town.

"A report received by UNISFA leadership indicates that the clashes between the two groups started at about 1630 hours on 23 September 2022, leading to an influx of over 223 people seeking protection at the Agok COB," UNISFA said in a press statement Monday.

UNISFA’s Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, has strongly condemned the attack, saying it can only contribute to more tension and chances of renewed violence in the area. 

According to the statement, General Sawyerr has called on the Abyei Chief Administrator and the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief to engage with their counterparts in Warrap State as well as the officials of the government of South Sudan in Juba to step up efforts to diffuse the tension and find a political solution to the clashes. 

"He also appealed to the youths from both sides to refrain from the use of violence, to voice their opinions, and embrace UNISFA’s peace initiative as a means of easing tension in the area," the statement added. 

UNISFA said together with humanitarian partners they are providing aid to those displaced despite challenges of access while increasing aerial patrols around Agok to monitor the situation.