The Government of Abyei Special Administrative Area, met with a high-level security delegation from the national Capital Juba, to investigate the facts and discuss the situation after the deployment of armed forces in the areas affected by intercommunal conflict between Ngok and Twic communities.
Head of the Department of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, and the official Spokesperson for the Abyei Area government, Hon. Bulis Koch Aguar, said in a statement to Abyei FM, on Wednesday, that the visiting security delegation met with the government, local chiefs and civil society.
Hon. Koch pointed out that the delegation is headed by Lt. Gen Marko Akec from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and includes three members from the National Security Service, Military Intelligence, and the police.
He stated that the meeting aimed to investigate the facts regarding the deployment of the forces in areas affected by the conflict, the forces’ inadequacy in protecting civilians, and the security challenges that still face the region.
Koch added that his government made several recommendations to the committee, including the expulsion of Titweng forces from the Athony Ayuok village of Alal County to the Nyin Deng Ayuel area, the involvement of the Commissioner of Twic County in the continuation of the conflict, and the continued presence of the Spiritual leader Gai Machiek and his elements in the Ajak Kuac area of Twic County, among other recommendations.
The official spokesman revealed expectations that a delegation headed by Dr. Riek Gai Kok will arrive in the region in early August to discuss the situation.
For his part, Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief Bulabek Deng Kuol said that they disclosed to the delegation the failures of the SSPDF and organized forces present in the Abyei Area to protect civilians and their property, noting that there had been several killing incidents and assassination attempts against government officials.
It is worth noting that the Commander of the SSPDF is present in the Agok area in Rumamer County, Maj. Gen Joseph Kuai did not attend the meeting.
