54 killed in clashes in area claimed by Sudan, S Sudan: UN

Clashes in Abyei, contested oil-rich territory straddling border of both countries, broke out at weekend, local authorities say

By AFP

January 30, 2024

Sudanese supporters and members of the Sudanese armed popular resistance, raise their weapons during a meeting with the citys governor in Gedaref, Sudan, on January 16, 2024. — AFP — Sudanese supporters and members of the Sudanese armed popular resistance, raise their weapons during a meeting with the city's governor in Gedaref, Sudan, on January 16, 2024. — AFP

JUBA: Fighting between rival communities in a disputed region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN peacekeepers, the United Nations said on Monday, calling for calm.

The clashes in Abyei, a contested oil-rich territory straddling the border of both countries, broke out at the weekend, according to local authorities.

A Pakistani peacekeeper was killed, and “four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injury”, it said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence and appealed to the governments of both sides to investigate so those responsible could be brought to justice.