Over the weekend, local authorities from Rumamer County in the Abyei area and Twic County in Warrap State traded accusations over armed youth attacks in their respective areas.

According to the Rumamer County commissioner, the fighting took place at Majook Aliou village in Rumamer County. Conversely, the Twic County commissioner stated that Misseriya herdsmen attacked Marol Ayuong village in Twic County.

Ayuel Kiir, Abyei’s Rumamer County Commissioner, said on Sunday that armed youth from Twic County, along with others from Unity State, jointly raided 500 cattle belonging to the Misseriya at Majook Aliou village in Rumamer County. During the raid, nine Misseriya men were killed. However, 300 cattle were later recovered.

“There was fighting on Friday at Majook Aliou village in Rumamer County. Armed youth from Twic, supported by armed youth from Unity State, organized themselves and killed nine Misseriya men. They also raided 500 cattle, but Misseriya managed to recover 300 because they were armed,” he explained.

Ayuel Kiir denies allegations that Abyei youth were involved in an attack or raid, as reported in the media. He stated, “We have always urged the Misseriya to refrain from violence. Our concern is that they may be attacked. However, when the Misseriya retaliated, Twic County accused Abyei of attacking their areas. This is untrue. Abyei youth have never attacked any area in Twic or engaged in cattle raids, as claimed in the media.”

On the other hand, Simon Aguek, Twic County Commissioner, confirmed the incident and blamed Misseriya and armed youth from Abyei for the attack on Marol Ayuong village. He stated that nine people were killed, and eight others were wounded in the attack.

“The Misseriya cattle are currently located in the far east of Ajak Kuac Payam. We have been urging them to relocate to the northern part of the river. The reason being, these Misseriya men often engage in violence against local youth. They have a habit of beating people they encounter. On Friday, Misseriya men attacked the youth at Marol Ayuong village, resulting in the death of nine people and injuring eight others,” he explained.

He further elaborated, “The victims were fishing in the river when the Misseriya attacked and killed them. They also confiscated their fishing nets and dried fish. Additionally, they set fire to the nets from a distance. These Misseriya individuals are associated with Abyei, and they supported the Abyei youth. We advised them to align with Sadik, the Misseriya leader from Awalad kamil, as we have an agreement with him.”