By Philip Buda Ladu
Despite the overall calm security situation in Abiemnom County, Ruweng Administrative Area, local authorities have raised concerns about the growing threat posed by unruly militia groups operating in the region.
Abiemnom County Commissioner Ador Minyiel Monyjok recently told a visiting team of journalists that the county’s security situation was relatively peaceful, emphasizing coexistence with neighboring areas of Warrap and Unity States plus the Abyei Administrative Area.
However, he painted a concerning picture of the security situation in the area, highlighting the threats posed by what he termed unregulated armed groups.
“While the overall security situation in Abiemnom County is relatively calm, we are facing a significant challenge from militia groups operating in the northern part of the county,” Minyiel stated. “These militias are responsible for a range of crimes, including rape, murder, and cattle theft.”
The commissioner expressed deep concern over the impact of these militia activities on the local population.
“The militias are terrorizing our communities, attacking civilians, and undermining our efforts to promote peace and development,” he added. “Their actions are a serious threat to the stability of the County,” he said.
Commissioner Minyiel accused the militias of destabilizing the region, attacking civilians in Abiemnom, Twic, Rumamer, and Mayom areas, citing the influx of approximately 15,000 displaced persons that have flocked to Abiemnom town.
He warned the influx has created a complex security landscape and expressed frustration over the government’s inability to control these militias.
“We have tried to address this issue through dialogue and cooperation with neighboring counties,” the commissioner said. “However, the militias continue to operate with impunity.”
Mr. Minyiel further highlighted the challenges faced by the government in addressing the threat posed by these militia groups who are believed to be operating from areas beyond the government’s reach.
“These groups are not under the control of the government and operate in remote areas that are difficult to reach,” he explained. “We are working to strengthen our security forces and improve our intelligence capabilities to combat these threats.”
However, a temporary operating base (TOB) in Abiemnom manned by the Mongolian Army Battalion serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has contributed significantly to the relative calm being experienced in the County.
The UN peacekeepers’ presence through their patrols across the hotspots of the area helps quell the recurring circle of communal attacks that has recently witnessed serious killings among communities from Abyei, Warrap, and Unity State, respectively.
In addition to the security challenges, Commissioner Minyiel also discussed the humanitarian crisis facing the county.
He emphasized that recent floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure and displaced many residents, leaving them in dire need of assistance.
The commissioner called on humanitarian organizations, the national government, and the Ruweng Administrative Area government to provide urgent assistance to the affected population.
As Minyiel continues to navigate the complex challenges facing Abiemnom County, the threat posed by militia groups remains a major concern.
The commissioner’s statement underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive coordinated action strategy to disarm and demobilize these groups and promote peace and stability in the region to protect the lives of vulnerable citizens.
The Abiemnom situation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many parts of South Sudan, despite the country’s efforts towards peace and stability.