UNISFA condemns attacks on civilians, killing of a peacekeeper

January 27, 2024 (ABYEI) – The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has strongly condemned what it described as series of armed attacks and civilians and killing of a peacekeeper in the disputed oil-producing region.

The attack, UNISFA said in a statement, occurred on 27 January and resulted in civilian casualties and the death of a United Nations peacekeeper from Ghana.

“The Mission confirms that the intercommunal clashes that took place in the Nyinkuac, Majbong and Khadian areas led to casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases to provide safety for those caught up in the violence,” partly reads the statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday.

The peacekeeping mission, however, stressed that efforts are underway to verify the number of those killed, injured and displaced in the violence that occurred.

According to UNISFA, the Ghanaian peacekeeper was “tragically” killed when an attack by an armed group on its base located in Agok was repelled.

“The mission strongly condemns the violence and extends its profound condolences to the families of the civilians who lost their lives as well as the fallen peacekeeper, who gave his life in the service of the people of Abyei,” it noted.

Meanwhile UNISFA reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its mandate to provide proactive and robust protection of civilians as well as support to all efforts to secure peace and security in its area of operations.

It, however, called for a swift and thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to these attacks to ensure that all the perpetrators are held accountable.

(ST)