South Sudan Army Ambush Leaves Three Dead, Officials Report
Local officials have reported a tragic ambush in Agok, South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and injuring five others. Nyinkwany Aguer Bol, the acting Minister of Information in the Abyei Special Administrative Area, characterized the attack as “an attempted assassination,” targeting key officials within the Abyei government. Among those targeted were the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies and the Commissioner of Rum-Amer County.
The South Sudanese army has not provided a response to inquiries from the BBC regarding the incident. Minister Aguer condemned the attack, highlighting the presence of South Sudanese soldiers in Agok schools and suggesting a deliberate effort by the South Sudan army to undermine the Abyei Administration’s authority.
Abyei, a region jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, has been a focal point of contention since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Both nations lay claim to the area, exacerbating tensions and impeding efforts to resolve the dispute.
Minister Aguer called upon the South Sudan army leadership in Juba to promptly withdraw troops stationed along the Abyei-Twic County border in Warrap State. This request underscores the urgency of de-escalating tensions and preventing further violence in the region.
The recent ambush in Agok adds to a series of violent incidents in Abyei. In February, armed youth groups from Warrap State launched a raid on Abyei, resulting in the tragic loss of over 50 lives, including two UN peacekeepers. These incidents underscore the precarious security situation in Abyei and the pressing need for concerted efforts to restore peace and stability to the region.
