In the disputed region of Abyei, located at the border of South Sudan and Sudan, violence has once again erupted, resulting in the loss of 37 lives. This recent bloodshed is believed to be linked to an ongoing land feud in the oil-rich area. Just a week prior, 52 people had lost their lives in another land dispute in the same region.
According to Bolis Koch, the Information Minister in Abyei, the fighting broke out in three different counties: Rum-Ameer, Alal, and Mijak. Armed youths from South Sudan's Warrap state, with the support of fighters loyal to spiritual leader Gai Machiek from Unity state, were responsible for the violent attacks. The clashes occurred as a result of the contested land ownership between the Twic Dinka tribal members from Warrap and the Ngok Dinka people in Abyei's Aneet area.
The confrontations over land have frequently led to ethnic violence, and this recent bout of fighting highlights the ongoing tensions in the region. While land is the central issue driving these conflicts, officials claim that the armed Twic youths are being incited by Gai Machiek, an ethnic Neur spiritual leader who has been accused of instigating violence. Machiek was also held responsible for the attack a week ago, which resulted in the death of 53 people, including two U.N. peacekeepers. However, in interviews with local media, Machiek has denied any involvement in the violence.
The dispute over control of the Abyei region dates back to the 2005 peace deal that ended the long-standing civil war between Sudan's north and south. Despite South Sudan gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, Abyei's status remained unresolved. Presently, the region is under the control of South Sudan. The majority of the Ngok Dinka people in Abyei support South Sudan, while the Misseriya nomads, who bring their cattle to the area in search of pasture, lean towards Sudan.
Attempts to resolve the situation have been made in the past. An African Union panel proposed a referendum for Abyei to determine its ultimate fate. However, disagreements over who would be allowed to participate in the vote hindered progress towards a resolution.
The recent surge in violence in Abyei serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and deep-rooted issues surrounding land disputes in the region. The loss of innocent lives, the destruction of local markets, and the displacement of residents further emphasize the urgent need for a comprehensive and lasting solution to bring stability to Abyei.
