The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on Wednesday condemned erroneous allegations that one of its Twic Dinka staff was killed alongside his family inside the Force’s compound.
Earlier in the week, a rumor went around that a UNISFA staff member had been killed alongside his family when armed Ngok youth breached the UNISFA compound to execute non-Ngok inhabitants.
“This false allegation is deliberate and intended to escalate the crisis of confidence between the Twic and Ngok Dinka communities in the Abyei area and beyond,” UNISFA’s statement read. “It comes at a time when UNISFA and other stakeholders are working together to de-escalate tensions and re-establish peaceful coexistence between the two Dinka communities.”
“All UNISFA staff members of Twic Dinka origin are safe and performing their official duties normally,” it added.
UNISFA advised the public to disregard the fake information and collaborate with peace-seeking people who continue to work together to see a return to normalcy.
“UNISFA will continue to engage all stakeholders for the peaceful coexistence of Twic and Ngok Dinka within the Abyei Area,” the statement concluded.