A recent ethnic violence over the weekend in the Abyei region straddling the Sudan-South Sudan border has left at least nineteen people dead, including a humanitarian worker.

According to local authorities, both Sudan and South Sudan are claiming ownership of the oil-rich region, with 54 people killed last week, including two UN peacekeepers.

PHOTO | COURTESY Conflicted region

Another 64 individuals were injured in violence last week between two Dinka tribes, the Abyei-based Ngok, and their Twic rivals from the adjoining state of Warrap in South Sudan.

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Since South Sudan attained independence in 2011, both sides have sought to pursue their respective claims, with the disputed Abyei territory placed under UN protection.

"The attacks on civilians culminated in the loss of life, setting the market ablaze, looting property, and raiding livestock," the Abyei Administrative Authority (AAA) stated.

PHOTO | COURTESY South Sudan military

According to the AAA, the weekend fighting "contravenes the presidential order that calls for a peaceful settlement of the communal conflict between Ngok Dinka and Twic of the Warrap State".

According to the Authority, one person was slain, and three were taken on Saturday.

It stated that on Sunday, 18 people, including "four women and three children, as well as a humanitarian aid worker from Doctors without Borders," were killed in another attack by Twic adolescents and gunmen.

PHOTO | COURTESY Refugees in a camp

The dispute between the tribes began in 2022 over land claims in a region between the southern border of Abyei and the state of Warsrap.

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir issued a cease-fire appeal in January, months after at least 32 people were murdered in hostilities between the two groups in November.