Authorities in the disputed Abyei region have launched an investigation after two small-scale traders from Amiet market were found dead near Abyei town on Thursday.

Bulabek Deng Kuol, the paramount chief of the Abyei area, said that the victims, thought to originate from Aweil, were murdered on Wednesday. Their bodies were located on Thursday in a hafir—a man-made water reservoir—close to Abyei town and adjacent to a camp of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

“The two traders, who lived in Aweil but conducted business in Amiet market, were slain, and their bodies were pulled and thrown into a water reservoir near Abyei town,” Deng stated.

He portrayed the incident as a deliberate effort to provoke unrest, emphasizing the absence of any prior tensions between the Aweil community and the Ngok Dinka residents of Abyei.

“We are still unclear on the precise events at the market. The probe continues, but I believe certain individuals are attempting to provoke inter-communal strife between the Aweil group and the Ngok Dinka,” he added.

Yohana Akol Ngor, Abyei’s minister of information, corroborated the fatalities. He noted that locals had recently come together calmly to mark Christmas and New Year’s festivities, following years of subdued celebrations amid ongoing insecurity.

“Throughout the holidays, our primary worry was traffic mishaps, especially with motorbikes in crowded spots. There were a few small crashes, but none resulted in deaths,” Ngor explained.

He confirmed the victims were merchants operating in Amiet market and stated that security personnel are actively tracking down those involved.

“The security teams are handling the matter, and the culprits will face justice,” he affirmed.

Ngor pointed out that the increasing influx of refugees escaping the war in Sudan, along with returning South Sudanese, has complicated efforts to pinpoint suspects. Nonetheless, he reassured the public that steps are being taken to avert future occurrences.

“The administration will not tolerate loss of life in this way,” he declared.

Abyei remains a contested territory claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, governed under a unique administrative framework since 2011.

It is protected by UNISFA, and Amiet market—a key commercial center—has experienced previous outbreaks of lethal violence tied to insecurity and inter-communal strains.