Abyei youth demand investigation into Agok attack

The Abyei Youth Association in Juba has called for an investigation into the recent attack in Agok and demanded that the culprits be brought to book.

On February 10, armed assailants suspected to have hailed from nearby communities attacked the Agok area of Abyei Administrative Area, torching houses and shops. The incident forced several residents to flee to other parts of Abyei.

About 10 people were reportedly killed, including a staff member of a humanitarian organization, and dozens were wounded. The incident forced aid agencies such as Medicine San Frontier (MSF) and Save the Children to temporarily suspend operations in the area.

No suspect has been so far apprehended in the contested region by both South Sudan and Sudan, where United Nations Interim Peacekeeping Forces in Abyei (UNISFA), are now offering protection to the civil population.

Speaking in Juba on behalf of Abyei youth on Monday, Chol Deng Miyom condemned the incident and called for the immediate establishment of an independent committee to probe and bring perpetrators to book.

“The Abyei Youth Association in Juba has been standing with the issue of the masses of the people of South Sudan as they seek the principle of peace and unity in this beloved country,” Deng said.

 “We condemn the instigation of violence and burning that took place in Agok, Abyei Administration Area.”

Mr Deng added, “They should set up an investigation committee to investigate an incident and bring the perpetrators who incited the crime to book.”

According to the youth, the violence was instigated by some prominent government officials stationed at both state and national levels over the ownership of the Agok and Aniet areas, and there needed to be an urgent solution to bring peace and stability to the citizens of the Abyei region.

They further called on humanitarian agencies to deliver aid to thousands who have been affected by the violence, as well as the government to demarcate the two areas and deliver services to the residents.

They then called for urgent dialogue between the Abyei community and Twic in Warrap State to ensure a lasting solution to the conflict.

“The United Nations Interim Security Mission in Abyei (UNISFA) must provide security to citizens and protect all borders of Abyei as stated in the decision in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in July 2009,” they said. 

Despite the fact that Sudan and South Sudan have had a long-standing territorial dispute, the recent events in Abyei have added a new layer of conflict to a conflict that has claimed over 100,000 lives since 2008.

The region is yet to determine its final location despite the 2013 overwhelming referendum, with 99 per cent of Ngok Dinka opting for South Sudan, but both leaders of the two countries neither confirmed nor objected to the outcome of the pull.