Abyei, 23 July 2025 – Joint efforts between the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and local leaders have helped to de-escalate tensions between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities of Abyei. On 21 and 22 July, an attack by suspected Misseriyas at the Joint Protection Committee (JPC) detention cell in Amiet common market prompted a retaliatory attack by suspected Ngok Dinkas.

Two JPC volunteers from the Ngok Dinka community and five Misseriyas were tragically killed and several people injured causing heightened tensions which disrupted trading activities. A UNISFA Quick Reaction Force deployed to patrol the market was fired upon with bullets hitting its armoured personnel carrier and a nearby observation post. The joint market, established through intercommunity dialogue in 2016, is a popular trading hub where Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities trade and coexist peacefully.

In a swift response, UNISFA immediately engaged with local administrators, Ngok Dinka and Misseriya traditional leaders and the Joint Community Peace Committee to prevail upon the communities to cease hostilities. The mission has since intensified patrols and remains actively engaged with local leaders to ensure the calm holds and support ongoing peace efforts. Youth leaders from both communities have joined efforts to defuse tensions.

We strongly condemn the unacceptable targeting of our patrol, which poses a serious threat to the safety and security of our peacekeepers and call on those responsible to immediately cease such actions. The violence risks to undermine gains made through previous peace agreements which have resulted in over two years of peaceful coexistence between the communities. UNISFA calls on all parties to commit to peace and refrain from acts that could inflame violence.