The Minister of Information in the disputed area of Abyei reported on Wednesday about a violent incident in Kadhiang village on Monday.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Minister Bulis Koch, who is also the official government spokesperson for Abyei said that armed youth from Twic, Warrap State, established an illegal checkpoint at Ayuok.

He stated, “Armed youth from Twic county of Warrap state again set up an illegal checkpoint at Ayuok and they collect money from traders and passengers.”

The Abyei police in Kadhiang received reports of this situation, leading to a confrontation between armed youth from both Abyei and Twic. Minister Koch further revealed, “When this report was heard by Abyei police in Kadhiang, the fighting took place, and one person was killed from Abyei youth, and two others were injured on Monday this week.”

Koch accused Twic armed youth of causing the death of six individuals during the clashes. He stated, “According to the report I received from Abyei police, six dead bodies remained there from Twic Titweng attackers. Although I did not personally visit the site, I can confirm that in recent days, there have been no further clashes.”

For his part, Simon Aguek, Twic county commissioner for Warrap state, confirmed the incident but did not acknowledge that six of his armed youth died during the clashes.

“I deployed additional military police along the main road of Nyin Deng Ayuel because I don’t want illegal residents there. This road is the primary economic link between Wau and Sudan, facilitating the transportation of goods to other towns. Additionally, some humanitarian trucks use this road from Sudan with returnees and refugees,” he stated.

He further explained, “Twic armed youth are present in the area where they previously clashed with Abyei. There were conflicts at that time, but there is no official report on the number of casualties from Twic county. That is why I am concerned about ensuring the safety of trucks along the Nyin Deng Ayuel road.”

A land dispute has persisted between the two communities of Abyei and Twic despite mediation attempts by community leaders and authorities.

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