Sudan, South Sudan: Suspected Misseriya assailants kill at least 27 people in Abyei Area March 6

Event

Armed assailants killed at least 27 people and wounded four others in Abyei Area, disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, March 6. Officials have accused members of the Misseriya tribe of carrying out the assault; no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.

Similar attacks are possible in Abyei Area over the coming days and weeks.

Context

Abyei Area has been a source of conflict between Sudan and South Sudan for years. The discovery of oil has made the region economically valuable to both countries. Since 2011, tensions in the area have been high, and members of the Ngok Dinka community have clashed with Misseriya pastoralists over water and grazing land. Following the outbreak of violence, the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed a temporary peace agreement in June 2011. The agreement led to the deployment of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the withdrawal of Sudanese and South Sudanese troops, and the establishment of a new joint administration in June 2011. Since then, UNISFA has prevented armed conflict between the two countries in the disputed territory and periodically facilitates grassroots peace forums between the Dinka and the Misseriya communities.

Advice

Exercise caution if operating in Abyei Area. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.