The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei or
UNISFA says it is hosting more than 2,000 people who fled the recent fighting in
the administrative area.
At the weekend, armed men attacked Abyei town, resulting in
the killing of nearly 40 people, a dozen others injured, and displacement of
households.
“UNISFA peacekeepers are currently sheltering and providing basic support to more than 2,000 displaced people in its bases,” says UNISFA in a statement issued on Monday.
The recent attack was reportedly carried out by youth
from Twic County and forces loyal to Spiritual leader Gai Machiek of Unity
State.
Youth in Abyei and Twic have been engaged in violent
conflict over Aneet land since early 2022.
The UN mission echoed call on the local community leaders
to help prevent retaliatory attacks.
“We called on all stakeholders
to cooperate in holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring peace is restored
in Abyei," it continues.
In related development, the commissioner of Mayom County
Luka - Chierey Riek - says some of the victims of the clashes seeking UN
protection are from his county.
"We called upon the national and state government to facilitate the return of hundreds of civilians stranded in UNISFA camp in Abyei Town," he told Mayardit FM on Tuesday.