The United Nations on Wednesday condemned the deployment of South Sudanese troops in an area of the disputed Abyei region, claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.
The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the disputed region has warned that the deployment of troops in southern Abyei would create “untold suffering and humanitarian concern” for civilians in the area.
There was no immediate comment from the South Sudanese authorities and a spokesman for Sudan’s ruling army did not respond to a request for comment.
UN: SITUATION IN SUDAN’S DARFUR REGION HAS “RADICALLY” IMPROVED
The deployment followed renewed fighting in and around Abyei, the mission, known as UNISFA, said. He urged both sides to stop fighting and “allow the political process to resolve the lingering crisis”.
“UNISFA is against any form of unauthorized deployment” in Abyei, the mission said.
Chinese peacekeepers who will be stationed in Juba, South Sudan on a United Nations peacekeeping mission are pictured at an airport in Zhengzhou, China December 6, 2022. The UN peacekeepers have condemned South Sudan for sending troops to the Abyei region. (China Feature/Future release via Getty Images))
UN VOTES TO HALF UN-AU FORCE IN SUDAN’S DARFUR REGION
The mission statement did not elaborate on the fighting. Local media, however, reported that the latest clashes between the Nuer and Dinka Ngok tribes in the region stemmed from cattle theft late last month. Citing local authorities, the Sudan Tribune news website said at least 18 people were killed and nine were injured.
UNISFA said it has strengthened peacekeepers in the area and is “monitoring the situation closely”.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over oil-rich Abyei began when South Sudan gained independence from Sudan following a 2005 peace deal, following decades of civil war between North and South Sudan. southern Sudan.
The agreement required both sides to settle Abyei’s final status through negotiations, but it is still unresolved. United Nations peacekeepers were deployed to the region in 2011, the year South Sudan became an independent country.
