Malong warns against further bloodshed in Ngok, Twic
The former chief of staff and the chairman of South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A), Paul Malong Awan, has cautioned the government against the escalation of the conflict between the Ngok community of Abyei Administrative Area and Twic Dinka community of Warrap state over ownership of Agok/Aneet town.
He urged the government to urgently intervene by finding a lasting solution to the conflict, stressing that it could derail peace and stability in the two areas.
“The South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) has learnt with great dismay the clashes between Twic Mayardit and Ngok Dinka communities. From our analysis, this conflict has the potential to threaten peace and stability among the two neighbours who have for a long time lived and coexisted peacefully,” Malong said.
“We call on the conscience of the regime in Juba to be mindful of its national obligations and initiate a quick response so as to prevent an escalation of the clashes.”
He further called upon the two communities to settle their differences.
Aleu condemns killings
On Sunday, the governor of Warrap State, Lt Gen Aleu Ayieny Aleu, condemned the killings and warned against continued fuelling of the conflict. He accused people whom he called “external forces” of fuelling the conflict between the two communities.
“I would like to take this opportunity to express my condemnation to this conflict and the enemies of peace on both sides and warn external forces who would exploit this situation to further their sinister agenda on the destruction of the independent Republic of South Sudan,” said the governor.
The governor urged the feuding communities to give way to their authorities and the national government to settle the dispute amicably.
“By this statement, I appeal greatly to both communities (Twic and Ngok) as well as their community leaders and politicians to cooperate and halt this senseless and empty violence. Please restrain yourselves and allow the authorities of both areas and the national government to handle the situation and seek an amicable solution to this problem. “
The Twic and Ngok communities fought over the ownership of Agok/Aneet town, from February 10, 11 and 12, 2022.
Statistics
A letter from the Abyei community seen by the City Review Newspaper showed that seven people were killed, ten wounded, and women, children, and the elderly displaced, adding that others were still missing.
The press statement also indicated the loss of property, purported to have been through looting and destruction, with an alleged report of about 180 houses and shops burned to ashes.
“The outcome of the recent incitement acts by some officials from Twic County is now unfolding. In the past few days, (10th, 11th and 12th February 2022, armed groups from Twic county launched attacks on Agok/Aneet town inside the Abyei Administrative Area,” the statement read.
