Abyei Crisis Deepens as UN Peacekeepers Report Widespread Looting and Burning

Demonstrators in Juba, Sudan's southern capital, greeted a delegation of UN Security Council ambassadors on Monday, chanting slogans in support of the contested town of Abyei, which was taken over by northern troops on Saturday. The UN mission in Sudan condemned the looting and burning in Abyei, calling on the northern army to maintain law and order in areas under their control. The situation in Abyei has left thousands of civilians displaced, with many more fearing for their lives.

Key Takeaways:

• The town of Abyei has been abandoned by its civilian population, with nearly 20,000 residents fleeing after northern troops overran the area on Saturday.
• UN peacekeepers have reported sporadic fighting, looting, and burning in Abyei, with gunshots and smoke visible from the town.
• The UN mission in Sudan has accused "armed elements" of the looting and burning, but the commander of the UN peacekeeping mission, General Moses Obi, attributed the violence to Sudanese government armed forces and allied militias.
• The UN Security Council has met with leaders from the Dinka tribe, who live in and around Abyei, to discuss ways to establish a new peacekeeping operation to take over from the UN Mission in Sudan.
• The council is considering deferring to a proposed solution being drafted by the African Union's point man on Sudan, former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Statistics:

• 20,000: Estimated number of people displaced from Abyei after the town was taken over by northern troops.
• 9 July: Date when the south becomes independent and the mandate of the UN Mission in Sudan expires.
• 2 days: Duration of sporadic fighting, looting, and burning in Abyei.
• 26: Age of Abyei resident Julia Arual, who told US Ambassador Susan Rice that her family was scattered when they fled Abyei.

Sources:

• Voice of America (VOA)
• United Nations Mission in Sudan
• United Nations Security Council