Local authorities in the contested area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan announced that over 250 households have recently arrived in the area, following the fighting between the government forces and the rebels in South Sudan’s Unity state.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Dhieu Bol Deng, an official working for the Abyei Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, confirmed that about 250 families from Unity state are now seeking refuge in Abyei area.

"Most of the people who have reached Abyei are from Mayom and Abiemnhom counties in Unity State," he said.

The new arrivals are currently living in the open at Majang Deng Kaya area about 10 kilometres east of Agok, without food and other essential services, according to the official.

He noted more than 150 families were also heading to Magar area which is 15 kilometres east of Agok. He explained also that officials from the Abyei humanitarian commission talked to the aid organizations and RRC in Juba to assist these war-affected people.

"The commission has already begun to identify some centres where the organizations will be able to provide relief to the displaced,” he indicated.

 File photo (MSF/Jean-Pierre Amigo)