NAIROBI, Kenya — At least 32 people, including a U.N. peacekeeper, were killed Sunday following heavy fighting in the disputed Abyei administrative region, an area claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, authorities said. Local media reported that the civilians and a Ghanaian soldier serving with a peacekeeping force died when unknown gunmen attacked two villages in southern Abyei. The peacekeeping mission there condemned the troop deployment, saying it would create ”untold suffering and humanitarian concerns” for civilians. International solders were sent to Aleel and Rum Ameer counties as part of the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei to help quell the growing conflict. The deal called for both sides to settle the final status of Abyei through negotiations, but it has never been implemented.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 19, 2023 18:56 UTC