South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Local authorities in Abyei Administrative Area on Monday called on the national government to investigate the killing of the Deputy Chief Administrator, Noon Deng Nyok and five other people.
On 31st December 2023, late Gen. Deng along with five people including two of his bodyguards were ambushed and killed by suspected armed youth while on the way to Agok to attend the New Year prayers at Jouljok Parish.
Bulis Koch Aguar, Minister of Information in Abyei Administrative Area denounced the killing of the Deputy Chief of Abyei Administrative Area and five of his colleagues between Wun-peth and Waueshin areas.
“The government of Abyei Special Administrative Area condemns in the strongest terms possible the barbaric killing and targeting of government officials by tribal militias and calls upon the national government and all the security organs to immediately investigate this crime and bring perpetrators into book,” Koch said in a statement seen by The Dawn in Juba.
He said that among the dead include two National Security Services VIP protection officers and a driver.
Koch blamed the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for failing to protect Abyei box.
“The assassination is the result of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) failure to protect Abyei Box and its citizens, hence the Abyei Special Administrative Area registers its disappointment to the UNISFA failure to protect the area as outlined by its mandate,” he said.
He also sent condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.
Edmund Yakani, Executive Director of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) called on President Salva Kiir Mayardit to intervene to end the deadly violence between Ngok Dinka and Twic Mayardit of Warrap State.
“President should act now on this deadly violence which already has elements of crime against humanity,” Edmund said in a statement.
He urged armed youth of Ngok Dinka and Twic Mayaradit Dinka to abstain from resolving their differences through violence.
He advised them to embrace peaceful dialogue to sort out their differences.
UNISFA called on the warring parties to exercise restraint and collaborate to help in bringing the killers to justice.
“This act of appalling and senseless violence risks the gains that have been made towards resolving the difficult situation in Southern Abyei. It is also a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in securing and maintaining peace across the Abyei region,” said the UN peacekeeping force.
It reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local authorities to promote reconciliation, stability, and the rule of law.
“In this regard, the mission will continue all efforts to deliver on its mandate to help create a secure and stable environment where all people can enjoy peace and prosperity.”
