Sudan. The recent ethnic clashes in the Abyei region located between Sudan and South Sudan, have resulted in the tragic loss of both peacekeepers and civilians, and now highlighting the volatile nature of the situation in the war-torn country.
The region has once again become the epicentre of violence, as armed youth from rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group clash over the contentious administrative boundary in this oil-rich area.
The conflict, which erupted over the weekend, has resulted in tragic casualties among both peacekeepers and civilians. The situation has escalated to the point where the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is actively engaged in efforts to restore calm and protect the civilian population.
According to reports, clashes broke out in the Nyinkuac, Majbong, and Khadian areas on Saturday, leading to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases.
The UN mission is currently working with local authorities to verify the extent of the human toll, reporting that 52 civilians have lost their lives and 64 others are severely wounded.
In response to the escalating violence, UNISFA has opened its doors to those in imminent danger, allowing affected individuals to seek refuge in its camps, in alignment with its mandate to protect civilians.
Attack on Peacekeepers
On Sunday, as peacekeepers were transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital, they came under heavy fire. Tragically, a peacekeeper from Pakistan lost his life in the attack, and four uniformed personnel, along with a local civilian, sustained injuries.
This incident occurred just one day after the UNISFA base in Agok was attacked, leading to the death of a Ghanaian peacekeeper.
The Mission swiftly repelled the assault and has called for a thorough investigation into these attacks, stating that violence against “blue helmets” may constitute a war crime under international law.
UN Condemns Attacks
In response to the escalating violence, UNISFA issued a strong condemnation of the attacks against civilians and peacekeepers, stressing the need for a swift and thorough investigation. The Mission is committed to restoring calm and robustly protecting civilians.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the weekend’s violence, condemning the attacks against UNISFA and calling on the governments of South Sudan and Sudan to promptly investigate the incidents with UNISFA’s assistance, ensuring the perpetrators are brought to justice.
UNISFA’s Role in Abyei
Established by the UN Security Council in June 2011, UNISFA was deployed to the Abyei region in response to renewed violence, escalating tensions, and population displacement as Southern Sudan prepared to declare independence from Sudan.
The region has faced numerous challenges, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict between rival military forces in Sudan.
Senior UN officials have noted that the conflict has disrupted promising dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan, causing talks over the disputed Abyei region to be effectively put on hold.
Rebel Leader Gen. Dagalo ‘Willing’ to End Conflict
On December 27, 2023, a significant meeting transpired between Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Sudanese rebel leader General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as ‘Hemedt.’
The meeting took place at President Museveni’s residence in Rwakitura, Kiruhura district, with the primary objective of seeking viable solutions to curb the escalating conflict in Sudan.
The nation has been grappling with the aggressive advances of General Hemedti’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia, which has consistently captured new territories from government forces.
The discussions were focused on promoting diplomatic initiatives and devising strategies to bring stability and peace to the troubled region.
Under Gen. Dagalo’s leadership, the RSF attempted a coup d’état in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, on April 15, 2023, to take control of key locations, including Khartoum airport, the presidential palace, and army bases.
Since the coup attempt, widespread fighting has persisted across various regions of Sudan, resulting in the displacement of up to 300,000 people, as reported by the United Nations on December 21.
In a statement issued after the meeting with President Museveni, Gen. Dagalo expressed his concern regarding the suffering of the Sudanese people due to the ongoing conflict.
He provided President Museveni with a detailed explanation of the reasons behind the outbreak of the war, attributing it to remnants within the armed forces and parties obstructing a solution.
Gen. Dagalo presented the RSF’s vision to negotiate, cease hostilities, and establish a new, just foundation for the Sudanese state. His willingness to engage in discussions and find a peaceful resolution marks a potential turning point in the efforts to end the conflict and bring stability to Sudan.
END
English 