Dozen killed, seven wounded as armed militia terrorize Abyei
May 17, 2021(SSNN) — At least 12 people have been killed and seven left struggling for life after Misseriya, an armed militia group fired assault rifles at civilians in Abyei according to Kon Manyiet Matiok, the Chief Administrator of the area.
Map of the Abyei region features borders and areas pending demarcation (Photo: Supplied)
Manyiet says the incident started at 11:00 am on 14th May 2021 after the armed group supported by the Sudan Armed Forces based in Kec/Diffra brutally killed Manuon Akot Manuon, a 75-year-old civilian from Warrap State.
On the same day, Wud Bol Malek, another civilian age 65 from Abyei Area in Wunamedh, West of Abyei Town, was assaulted and left battling for life as the armed group advances their operation.
Manyiet says on Sunday 16th May at 5:00 am local time, the militia embarked on a full-blown military offensive and attacked Dangoub Village, East of Abyei Town where they killed 12 unarmed civilians and wounded seven others.
Among those killed were Arop Palek Hoch, Malual Miyen Ayiik, Malual Kou Deng Apet, Dau Ajak Ajak, Mangeth Malith Angeu, Ngor Palek Hoch, Ring Miyar Arop, Aguer Menyiel Rou, Kuol Chol Ajuong, Marial Malual Adukeng, and Chol Yuol.
Deng Garang Deng, Peter Ayok Akot Dut, Rou Mareng Kueth, Agoth Duper Aru, William Ngor Cheir, Malual Wieu Dau, and Ring Chol Yac were among the victims left wounded.
The atrocities were committed one week after the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) spell in the area was extended with the promise to grant continuous protection to civilians.
But while civilians were getting butchered, UNISFA was at no show. The Chief Administrator of Abyei in a statement seen by Nyamilepedia says UNISFA two hours after they were first notified of the looming incident. The armed group deserted the scenes by then.
UNISFA role
The role of the UN group in Abyei has come under scrutiny in recent days. UNISFA is facing criticism for doing very little in protecting civilians.
In January 2020, President Slava Kiir launched a scathing attack against the UN mission in Abyei in an exclusive interview with Middle East Eye saying their stay in the area was of no purpose if they do not protect civilians.
“The role of the United Nations is clearly a matter of concern,” Kiir told Middle East Eye. “They don’t have any reason to be there. People are dying in front of their eyes.”
Kiir recalled one specific incident in which Deng Kuol Deng, a traditional chief was killed by Misseriya while commuting with a UNISFA convoy in 2013.
“UNISFA were there. They did not protect him. Instead, they left him very vulnerable. Wherever the UN are in South Sudan, they are doing nothing. They are further themselves,” Kiir is quoted to have said.
Notwithstanding the criticism, the United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of UNISFA in Abyei to 15 November 2021, maintaining the current ceilings for troops and police.
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