Drone Strike Kills 153 in Disputed African Market
Officials in Abyei blame Sudan's military for the attack that also ignited a fire at a fuel depot.
A drone strike on a market in Abyei, a border region disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, killed at least 153 people and ignited a fire that was still burning Tuesday, a local official said.
Yohanna Akol Ngor, the Abyei administration’s caretaker information minister, blamed Sudan’s military for Monday’s attack on Amiet Market, located north of Abyei town. He told The Associated Press that the death toll continued to rise as the fire spread.
The motive for the attack was not immediately clear, and the AP could not independently verify who carried it out. Sudan’s military did not respond to a request for comment.
Doctors Without Borders, known by its French acronym MSF, reported that more than 20 wounded people were brought to Ameth Bek Hospital, where MSF teams worked alongside staff from South Sudan’s Health Ministry. Dr. Christian Lindauer, MSF’s medical activities manager at the hospital, stated that patients with burns were admitted, including several in critical condition.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry also blamed Sudan’s military, reporting that the attack hit multiple locations within the market, causing civilian casualties and extensive property damage. The ministry summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the action and urged Sudan to cease actions that endanger civilian lives and property, calling for diplomatic channels to resolve issues concerning Abyei.
The region has been a point of contention since a 2005 peace agreement ended decades of civil war. Abyei's status remained unresolved when South Sudan became independent in 2011, with disagreements over voting rights stalling a proposed referendum.
The Ngok Dinka community, the majority population in Abyei, favors joining South Sudan, while Misseriya nomads who utilize the region's pastures lean towards Sudan. The area has also seen intercommunal violence.
Akol stated the strike occurred around 11 a.m. Monday, hitting a fuel depot that supplied local businesses.
MSF issued a statement calling on all parties to cease attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, expressing concern for the safety of those seeking essential services, including healthcare.