At least 26 killed in clashes along Sudan-South Sudan border region

At least 26 people have been killed and 82 others injured in days of intercommunal fighting in a disputed region on the border between South Sudan and Sudan. The United Nations reported the death toll on Thursday and stated that it had reinforced its security presence around Abyei town. Clashes are frequent in Abyei, and the region’s status has remained unresolved since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. The violence erupted at Amiet Common Market following the separate killings of a Ngok Dinka man on Monday and a Misseriya man on Tuesday, according to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). UNISFA indicated that the initial killings escalated tensions between the two rival communities around the market. Similar fighting has occurred between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya pastoral communities, often involving disputes over grazing lands and watering points for their animals. The Misseriya, Arab pastoralists from Sudan, migrate south into Abyei during the dry season in search of grazing land, which sometimes leads to clashes with the Ngok Dinka, the region’s permanent residents. Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shreshta of UNISFA stated, "We are actively engaging with the leaders of the two communities who have reiterated their commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution to the hostilities. Our priority is to prevent further loss of life. We urge all community leaders to embrace dialogue and advance peaceful coexistence." In a statement posted on X on Thursday, UNISFA said, "On the ground, we are taking all measures to protect civilians and prevent retaliation." The UNISFA force consists of 3,000 police and soldiers tasked with protecting civilians. Abyei is an oil-rich region that is jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, with both countries claiming the territory. South Sudan has experienced relative peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year conflict during which thousands were killed. The country is scheduled to hold its first elections since independence in December.