Politicians continue to fuel Twic-Abyei conflict – chiefs

Politicians on both sides of the Twic-Abyei intercommunal violence are to blame for the continuous attacks between the two communities, area chiefs have said.

The remarks follow the latest series of deadly attack in Ayuok, Akur, Rumamer, Marial-Guotjuor, and Kol-Akot areas carried out by Twic and Ngok armed youth this month alone.

The most recent incident took place on Thursday in Kol-Akot where three people were reportedly injured and dozens of houses burnt to the ground.

Chief Ayuel Ayuel Ayiik says both politicians from Twic and Abyei — who are members of the committee tasked with resolving the conflict — are partial and this can never bring peace between the two communities.

“Our children have died enough. If politicians keep on supporting their youth, the conflict won’t end,” Chief Ayuel told Mayardit FM.

Malith Ajak, an Abyei chief, called upon young people to stop listening to politicians that incite violence against other communities.

“Those who fuel the violence don’t have their children on the ground, but have sent them to better life and schools in foreign countries,” he stated.

Speaking during the visit to Twic County this month, Hussein Abdalbagi, who heads up the Twic-Ngok committee, called on the communities to stop the violence and leave the issue to the government to address it.

Politicians on both sides of the Twic-Abyei intercommunal violence are to blame for the continuous attacks between the two communities, area chiefs have said.

The remarks follow the latest series of deadly attack in Ayuok, Akur, Rumamer, Marial-Guotjuor and Kol-Akot areas carried out by armed youth.

The most recent incident took place on Thursday in Kol-Akot where three people were reportedly injured and dozens of houses burnt to the ground.

Chief Ayuel Ayuel Ayiik says both politicians from Twic and Abyei — who are members of the committee tasked with resolving the conflict — are partial and this can never bring peace between the two communities.

“Our children have died enough. If politicians keep on supporting their youth, the conflict won’t end,” Chief Ayuel told Mayardit FM.

Malith Ajak, an Abyei chief, called upon young people to stop listening to politicians that incite violence against other communities.

“Those who fuel the violence don’t have their children on the ground, but have sent them to better life and schools in foreign countries,” he stated.

Speaking during the visit to Twic County this month, Hussein Abdalbagi, who heads up the Twic-Ngok committee, called on the communities to stop the violence and leave the issue to the government to address it.

In February 2022, a dispute between the two communities over the ownership of Southern Kiir River led to clashes between armed youth from Twic and Abyei.

Since then, over 120 people have been killed in the intercommunal conflict.

In February 2022, a dispute between the two communities over the ownership of Southern Kiir River led to clashes between armed youth from Twic and Abyei.

Since then, over 120 people have been killed in the intercommunal conflict.