Sudan: Suspected Misseriya assailants kill 12 people in Dunguob, Abyei Area, May 16

Event

On May 16, armed assailants killed at least 12 people and wounded at least seven others in Dungoub village, Abyei Area, Sudan. The attackers also reportedly killed at least one person in a separate incident in the area west of Abyei town, May 14. Officials have accused individuals of the Misseriya tribe of carrying out the attacks; no group immediately claimed responsibility for the incidents.

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 UN 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 territories and periodically facilitates grassroots peace forums between the Dinka and the Misseriya communities.

Advice

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