Another Armed Clash in Abyei, Sudan-South Sudan Conflict Zone... 37 Dead

Crude Oil Reserves, Frequent Clashes Make It the 'Powder Keg of Africa'

In Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan in Africa, 37 people have died due to armed clashes between tribes.

Soldiers of the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SPLA) passing through the Abiei area.
[Photo by UN]

On the 5th, the Associated Press reported that fighting continued in the Abyei region, where armed clashes between the two countries are frequent, resulting in 37 deaths. Abyei is a city in South Kordofan state of Sudan, located at the border where southern Sudan and northern South Sudan meet. Rich in oil reserves and grazing land, this area is frequently contested by both sides and is known as the "powder keg of Africa."

The region's government spokesperson, Bulis Koh, stated, "Over the weekend, the villages of Rumamir, Alal, and Mijak were attacked by armed youths from Warab state," adding, "This armed conflict, caused by land disputes, resulted in 19 deaths on Saturday and 18 on Sunday." He further added, "1,000 cattle were also stolen."

The majority of Abyei's residents, the Ngok Dinka tribe, support South Sudan, while the Warab state's Nuer pastoralists, who come to Abyei seeking grazing land, support Sudan.

Sudan and South Sudan had agreed to determine Abyei's final status through negotiations, but no talks have taken place so far.

In particular, since South Sudan deployed troops to the area in March last year, violent incidents including attacks by armed militants have increased. On the 27th of last month, armed youths from the Nuer tribe attacked a Ngok Dinka village, killing 53 people including two United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) personnel.

Additionally, in November last year, a group of armed militants attacked two villages in southern Abyei, killing 32 people including UNISFA personnel, women, and children.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.