Attack on peace mission camp in South Sudan, Nepali team safe

Published On: January 29, 2024 02:48 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

Photo: United Nations

KATHMANDU, Jan 29: At least 52 civilians, including a member of the United Nations peacekeeping mission, were killed in an attack by armed groups in the Abyei region of South Sudan, with 64 others injured.

A group of gunmen carried out a series of attacks on Saturday, January 27, causing communal violence in the Nyinkuak, Majbong, and Khadian areas. The armed group also attacked the United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISF) camp in Agok. According to the news agency AP, 52 people died in these attacks.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei confirmed the death of a Ghanaian peacekeeper as a result of the attack. “The attack was repelled by a team of peacekeepers. Sadly, a Ghanaian soldier on the peacekeeping mission was killed," the UNISF stated, condemning the attack.

Both Sudan and South Sudan have laid claim to Abyei, which is rich in oil reserves, though the area is currently under South Sudan's control. Local officials report that the armed group attacked around 4:45 PM on Saturday. The motive for the attack remains unclear, but it is suspected that a land dispute could be the cause.

A team of 97 Nepali peacekeepers has been deployed in the Abyei area, where communal riots are occurring. Fortunately, this team is safe, according to Nepali Army Spokesperson Krishna Prasad Bhandari. “We received reports that one Ghanaian member died in the attack. Our team is safe," said Spokesperson Bhandari.

Ethnic violence is common in Abyei, often fueled by land disputes between tribal communities. The majority Ngok Dinka community in the region aligns with South Sudan, while the Miseria nomadic community supports Sudan, leading to frequent violence.

The African Union proposed a referendum to resolve the Abyei dispute, but the results have not been released due to disagreements over voter eligibility.

Despite the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers in March of the previous year, communal violence continues in the region. In 2023, an attack in the area claimed 32 lives."