Attacks by rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group in a region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has seen over 32 people killed the weekend, according to a report by a local official on Monday.
Bloody clashes is common in the oil-rich Abyei region, where Twic Dinka from South Sudan’s neighbouring Warrap State are tied in a dispute with Ngok Dinka from Abyei over the placement of an administrative boundary.
On Sunday morning, Twic Dinka armed youth, supported by a local militia, had attacked several Ngok Dinka villages northeast of Agok town, Bulis Koch, the information minister for Abyei Administrative Area had informed Reuters.
Men in South Sudan army uniforms, assisted by Twic Dinka fighters had also attacked Ngok Dinka settlements.
Meanwhile, the spokespeople for South Sudan’s army had not immediately responded to Reuters’ request for comment.
Abyei has been laid claim to by Sudan and South Sudan since the latter declared independence in 2011. Abyei had an exceptional administrative status, ruled by an administration made up of officials appointed by Juba and Khartoum.
South Sudan plunged into civil war shortly after independence. The conflict set President Salva Kiir and his allies against Vice President Riek Machar.
A peace agreement signed three years ago is largely keeping the peace, but the interim government has been slow to amalgamate the various factions of the military.
