At least 42 people were killed in several attacks in the Abyei region in South Sudan. As the UN mission UNISFA announced in a press release today, a UN blue helmet soldier also died.

In the oil-rich region, there are always outbreaks of violence between rival ethnic groups. In addition, both South Sudan and Sudan claim the region for themselves. Since 2011, Abyei has therefore been managed by authorities composed of officials from both countries.

According to the announcement, the current attacks were triggered by “inter-municipal conflicts”. Numerous civilians were therefore taken to a UN base, which was then also attacked.

The exact number of deaths, injuries and displaced persons is still being determined, it was said. The UN mission called on the South Sudanese government to initiate an investigation and hold the perpetrators accountable.