Citizens of the contested Abyei area between Sudan and South Sudan have expressed concern about increasing crime rates, especially among the youths in the area these days.

In interviews carried out by the media organization Internews, several Abyei natives complained about surging crime rates in the area, while opinions deferred over the reason behind the increase of crime cases, especially this year.

Some residents see consumption of alcohol among the youths as the main reason, whereas others consider frustration among the youths as the motive behind the phenomenon.

For his part, the community policing officer Deng Dak Akol agreed with the first opinion that attributed the crimes to consumption of alcohol.

Crime rates in Abyei are significantly higher this year compared to last, according to the official.

He commended the role played by One Heart Women’s Group in the area, in discouraging consumption of alcohol last year.

Last year, the Abyei municipality in collaboration with a women’s group launched an initiative banning consumption of locally made and imported alcohol across the area, in an attempt to curb crime.

File photo