By Bida Elly David
At least one person was reportedly injured during clashes between armed youth from the Abyei Administrative Area and Warrap State on Tuesday.
Bulis Koch, the Abyei Area Information Minister, told the No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper that the incident occurred in Mijak County around midday.
He attributed the initiation of the fresh violence to neighbouring Warrap’s armed youth.
“The exchange of fire began after armed youth from Warrap appeared at the outskirts of Mijak County,” Koch explained. “The Abyei youth responded with gunfire.”
The cause of the clashes remains unclear. However, Koch stated that local authorities intervened swiftly, prompting the withdrawal of the Warrap youth.
“The situation is currently calm in Mijak County, although one person was injured during the fighting,” he added.
Koch expressed concern about the lack of progress in dialogue efforts between the communities.
“Several attempts have been made to facilitate dialogue between the Warrap and Abyei communities, involving peace ministers, chiefs, and civil society organizations, but none have been successful,” he said.
He emphasized the need for a stronger security presence to prevent further conflict.
“President Kiir recently issued an order calling for dialogue, but without a significant deployment of forces, it will be difficult to effectively stop the clashes,” Koch stated. “Presidential directives alone are not enough to deter warring communities during confrontations.”
For his part William Wol Mayom, the Warrap State Information Minister, when contacted for comment said he was unaware of the incident and needed to verify the details with local authorities.
“I am not in the state but going to get back when I talk to the commissioner to inquire about the incident,” he responded.
Earlier this year, President Kiir directed the governor of Warrap, the Abyei chief administrator, and community leaders to initiate dialogue to resolve the ongoing disputes that resulted from land ownership.