The Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities in the disputed Abyei region have agreed to reopen the Amiet Market, which was closed following a recent armed confrontation that left around 40 people dead. The agreement was reached during a meeting of the joint peace committees at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Pakistani Battalion headquarters in the Todach area. The committees have committed to entrusting the market's protection to UNISFA, community police, and youth from both communities.
According to the agreement, other forces belonging to either side are prohibited from entering the market, and all military vehicles and weapons will be barred from entering the market starting October 10, 2026. UNISFA forces will monitor the market's entrances and exits to prevent weapons from being brought into the market again. This move aims to prevent a recurrence of previous incidents and ensure the market's safety.
Doguir Mitanq, the Ngok Dinka Youth Chairman, stated that the joint peace committees had agreed to reopen the common market immediately, with security to be provided by UNISFA and a 17-member committee tasked with overseeing the arrangements. He urged residents to disregard rumors aimed at destabilizing security in the area, emphasizing that the agreement was reached through the committees' own initiative and consensus.
Misseriya Youth Chairman Mahdi Juma attributed tensions between the two communities to groups spreading rumors intended to undermine the social fabric. He cited examples of counter-rumors circulating among the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, which claimed that one side was planning to launch an attack. Juma warned members of both communities against turning incidents of killing into tribal mobilization.
Juma emphasized that the agreement is intended to protect the market and traders working there, as well as prevent a recurrence of previous incidents. He expressed commitment to peace, stating that the two communities would not abandon their pursuit of peace. The agreement marks a significant step towards restoring stability in the region.
The recent armed confrontation between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities resulted in the complete closure of Amiet Market. The violence highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the tensions between the two communities. The UNISFA has played a crucial role in facilitating the agreement and ensuring the market's safety.
The joint peace committees' agreement demonstrates a commitment to peaceful coexistence between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities. The reopening of the Amiet Market is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and community relations.
Key points
- The Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities have agreed to reopen the Amiet Market under UNISFA protection.
- The agreement prohibits other forces from entering the market and bars military vehicles and weapons.
- A 17-member committee will oversee the market's security arrangements.
