The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has issued a strong warning following deadly clashes between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
According to the press release seen by SZN, UNISFA warned that the fresh violence in the area threatens to unravel over two years of hard-won peace in the disputed region.
“On 21 and 22 July, an armed group believed to be from the Misseriya community launched an attack on the Joint Protection Committee (JPC) detention cell at the Amiet common market, sparking a retaliatory assault by suspected Ngok Dinka youth,” the letter stated.
It added that, the confrontation resulted in the deaths of two JPC volunteers from the Ngok Dinka community and five Misseriya individuals. Several others were wounded.
The incident escalated further when UNISFA’s Quick Reaction Force, deployed to secure the area, came under direct fire. Bullets struck one of the mission’s armoured personnel carriers and a nearby observation post.
UNISFA condemned the attack on its peacekeepers, calling it “unacceptable” and a serious threat to peacekeeping operations in the region.
“We strongly condemn the unacceptable targeting of our patrol, which poses a serious threat to the safety and security of our peacekeepers,” the mission said in a statement. “This violence risks to undermine gains made through previous peace agreements which have resulted in over two years of peaceful coexistence between the communities.”
The Amiet common market, established in 2016 through joint community dialogue, has long served as a symbol of cooperation and peaceful cohabitation between the two ethnic groups.
Last week’s violence temporarily disrupted trading activities, raising concerns over the market’s future and broader intercommunal relations.
In response to the escalation, UNISFA immediately engaged with local administrators, traditional leaders from both communities, and members of the Joint Community Peace Committee, according to press release.
The mission has since intensified patrols and reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and stabilization efforts.
“Youth leaders from both communities have joined efforts to defuse tensions,” the statement noted, emphasizing the critical role of young people in restoring calm.
UNISFA is urging all parties to recommit to peace and refrain from any actions that could incite further violence.
“We call on those responsible to immediately cease such actions,” the mission warned. “All parties must recognize the fragility of the current peace and work together to prevent a return to conflict.”
The security situation remains tense but under control, with UNISFA continuing to monitor developments closely in coordination with local stakeholders.
