JUBA, South Sudan – President Salva Kiir’s government has condemned a deadly Sudanese Armed Forces drone attack on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei Area, calling for an investigation and accountability for those responsible.
In a statement issued on October 21, the Office of the President said the October 19 attack caused civilian deaths, injuries and destruction of property.
“An attack that brings death and destruction to a market where communities gather to trade and sustain their livelihoods is unacceptable,” the statement said. “Civilian lives must be protected, and Abyei must not become a theatre for the conflict in Sudan.”
Kiir’s office extended condolences to bereaved families and wished those injured a full recovery. It said relevant institutions had been directed to conduct a “thorough and coordinated investigation” to identify those responsible and pursue measures to prevent further attacks.
Casualties and displacement
Abyei authorities told Sudans Post on Tuesday afternoon that the death toll had reached 220 by October 20, with 19 people injured. They warned that the number could rise as recovery operations continued.
Médecins Sans Frontières said it had received more than 20 wounded people at Ameth Bek Hospital, including critically injured patients and people with burns.
The attack also reportedly displaced about 8,000 people, according to Abyei officials, adding to the humanitarian impact of the strike.
A senior Sudanese military officer confirmed to the BBC and the Associated Press that the army carried out the strike but said it targeted fuel tankers believed to be supplying the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The officer said the military did not target civilians.
Abyei officials, however, blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces for the attack and reported heavy civilian casualties at the market. The competing accounts highlight the need to establish the circumstances surrounding the strike and its impact on civilians.
Call to protect civilians
Kiir’s government called for an immediate end to attacks that endanger civilians and urged all concerned parties to ensure safe access for medical personnel and humanitarian assistance to reach those affected.
The government also urged communities to remain calm, uphold peaceful coexistence and reject retaliation.
Abyei, an oil-rich territory claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, has remained disputed since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Interim arrangements have not resolved its final status.
The attack comes as Sudan’s war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF continues to affect civilians across the country and neighbouring areas.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry had earlier summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the strike and called for measures to protect civilian lives and property.