A drone strike on Amiet Market in the disputed border region of Abyei killed at least 153 people and ignited a fire that continued to burn on Tuesday, a local official reported. The caretaker information minister of Abyei, Yohanna Akol Ngor, attributed the attack to Sudan’s military.
Akol confirmed the rising death toll, stating on Tuesday that the situation remains dire as the fire persists. The motive behind the assault has not been established, and independent verification of the perpetrators was not possible.
Sudan’s military has yet to comment on the incident. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that over 20 injured individuals were taken to Ameth Bek Hospital. Dr. Christian Lindauer, MSF’s medical manager, noted that several patients were in critical condition, some suffering from severe burns.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack, highlighting civilian casualties and extensive damage to property. It summoned Sudan’s ambassador in protest and urged the Sudanese government to avoid actions that threaten civilian lives, advocating for diplomatic resolutions regarding Abyei.
Since April 2023, Sudan’s military and paramilitary forces have been engaged in conflict, severely destabilising regions across the country. The drone strike occurred around 11am on Monday, hitting a fuel depot that served local businesses. Akol described the incident as “horrible and shocking.”
MSF emphasised the need for all factions to cease attacks on civilians and civilian structures, expressing concern for people’s access to healthcare. Amiet Market is a vital trading hub for both the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
The status of the oil-rich Abyei region remains unresolved since the 2005 peace agreement that ended decades of civil war, and disputes over a proposed referendum continue. The majority of the Ngok Dinka population supports joining South Sudan, while Misseriya nomads favour alignment with Sudan, leading to ongoing regional tensions and violence.
