At least 26 people have been killed and 82 others injured in clashes between two rival tribes in Abyei town on the border between South Sudan and Sudan, the United Nations said on Thursday.
The violence occurred at the Amiet Common Market in Abyei and involved members of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes, according to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
The clashes followed the separate killings of two men from the rival communities on Monday and Tuesday, which heightened tensions around the market, a major economic centre in the area.
UNISFA said it had immediately reinforced its security presence around the market and deployed additional personnel to help de-escalate the situation.
“Following the deadly violence, UNISFA immediately reinforced its security presence in and around the market and deployed additional forces to de-escalate the situation,” the agency said.
The Ngok Dinka and Misseriya have a long history of rivalry, with previous deadly clashes linked to disputes over grazing land and watering points for livestock.
Abyei is an oil-rich territory jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, with both countries claiming the area since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
South Sudan has largely remained at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year conflict that killed thousands of people.
The country is due to hold its first elections since independence in December.
