The Government of South Sudan has summoned the Sudanese ambassador in Juba to protest a drone attack in the Abyei Special Administrative Area that reportedly killed 53 people and injured scores of others.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the ambassador was summoned following Monday’s attack on multiple locations in the market, north of Abyei town.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, the government condemned the attack, which it attributed to the Sudanese Armed Forces, citing civilian casualties and destruction of property.
The ministry said the ambassador was summoned to convey South Sudan’s “strong protest and deep concern” over the attack and its implications for civilian safety and stability in Abyei.
“The Government of the Republic of South Sudan condemns in the strongest terms possible the attack on Amiet Market,” the statement reads.
Abyei Special Administrative Area Minister of Information Yohana Akol Ngor initially reported that the attack killed 73 people. However, an official statement later revised the death toll to 53 people, with scores of others injured.
The government expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
Juba called on the Government of Sudan to refrain from actions that endanger civilian lives and property. It also urged both sides to address issues concerning Abyei through diplomatic channels and established mechanisms for dialogue.
“The Government reaffirms its commitment to the protection of civilians and to the preservation of peace, security, and stability in the Abyei Area,” the statement added.
The government further urged Sudan to take measures to prevent similar attacks from happening again.
Abyei, an oil-rich area claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, remains a source of tension between the two neighbouring countries.
The Sudanese government has not claimed or denied carrying out the attack.
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