Two traders who operated small businesses at Amiet market were found dead near Abyei town on Thursday, and an investigation is underway to identify the perpetrators, according to local officials.
Bulabek Deng Kuol, the Abyei area paramount chief, told Radio Tamazuj that the two victims, believed to be from Aweil, were killed on Wednesday and their bodies were discovered on Thursday in a hafir — a water reservoir — near Abyei town, close to a base used by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
“The two traders, residents of Aweil who were working in Amiet market, were killed and their bodies were dragged and dumped into a water point near Abyei town,” Deng said.
He described the killings as an attempt to stir instability, stressing that there is no history of conflict between the Aweil community and the Ngok Dinka of Abyei.
“We do not yet know what exactly happened in the market. Investigations are ongoing, but I suspect there are people trying to incite intra-communal conflict between the Aweil community and the Ngok Dinka,” he said.
Yohana Akol Ngor, the Abyei area minister of information, also confirmed the deaths. He said residents had gathered peacefully to celebrate Christmas and the New Year after years of limited festivities due to insecurity.
“During the celebrations, we were mainly concerned about road accidents, particularly involving motorcycle riders in congested areas. There were some minor accidents, but no fatal road incidents were reported,” Ngor said.
He added that the two deceased were traders at Amiet market and that security forces are pursuing suspects.
“The security apparatus is following up the case, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” he said.
Ngor said the growing presence of refugees fleeing Sudan’s conflict and South Sudanese returnees has made it harder to identify suspects but assured residents that authorities are taking measures to prevent similar incidents.
“The government will not allow lives to be lost in this manner,” he said.
Abyei is a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan and has been administered under a special arrangement since 2011. The area is secured by the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), while Amiet market, a major trading hub, has previously seen deadly violence linked to insecurity and communal tensions.