At least 32 people were killed in clashes on Sunday in the Abyei region, disputed between Sudan and South Sudan. According to authorities, another 20 people were injured. The dead included 31 civilians and a soldier from the UN peacekeeping force Unisfa, spokesman for the Abyei administrative region, Boulis Peter Kuoch, told the German Press Agency. Children are also among the injured. A statement from Unisfa was initially unavailable.
Kouch reported that several armed youths attacked villages in the early hours of the morning.
Abyei lies on the border between Sudan and South Sudan. It is a disputed territory claimed by both countries since South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The area is of economic importance to both countries due to its rich oil reserves . There are always disputes between different tribes over these resources.
