We are deeply saddened to report the tragic loss of a United Nations peacekeeper from Ghana, who was killed in the Abyei region on South Sudan's border with Sudan. The incident occurred during clashes between rival local groups, resulting in casualties and the evacuation of civilians to UNISFA bases for their safety.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has confirmed that the clashes took place in three locations within the Abyei area on Saturday. One of the UNISFA bases also came under attack during the fighting, leading to the unfortunate death of the Ghanaian peacekeeper.
As the situation unfolds, the UN mission is working to verify the number of people affected by the violence, including those who have been killed, injured, and displaced. The specific tribes involved in Saturday's clashes have not been disclosed in the statement released by the UN.
It is important to note that conflicts between different communities are not uncommon in South Sudan, a nation that continues to grapple with the aftermath of a devastating civil war. The dispute over the Abyei region, which is abundant in oil resources, has been a recurring source of violence, particularly among rival factions of the Dinka ethnic group.
Furthermore, the ownership of Abyei itself remains a point of contention between Sudan and South Sudan, following South Sudan's declaration of independence from Sudan in 2011.
Our thoughts are with the families of the victims and all those affected by this tragic incident. The United Nations remains committed to supporting peace and stability in the region and calls for a swift resolution to the ongoing conflicts.
-source Reuters | curated by Neizer Gyamfi |Ghana Crimes
