RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
At least 26 people were killed and 82 others injured in intercommunal violence at the Amiet Common Market in the disputed Abyei region along the Sudan-South Sudan border, according to the United Nations.
The figures represent the UN’s recorded casualty toll from the market violence as of September 16. The UN did not provide a full breakdown of the 26 deaths between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
The violence erupted at the market on September 15 after two separate killings heightened tensions between the communities.
The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, UNISFA, said a Ngok Dinka man was killed on September 14 and a Misseriya man the following day. Those incidents contributed to the escalation of tensions that culminated in the deadly violence at the market.
A Ngok Dinka traditional leader separately said 13 deaths had been confirmed among his community, but said he did not have corresponding casualty figures for the Misseriya. The UN’s overall figure remains 26 dead and 82 injured.
UNISFA has since reinforced its security presence around the market and deployed additional personnel to prevent retaliatory violence.
UN PUSHES FOR DIALOGUE
UNISFA Force Commander Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shreshta said the mission was engaging leaders of both communities, who had expressed commitment to dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
The mission also called for an investigation into the violence and urged the relevant authorities to hold those responsible accountable.
Abyei has remained disputed between Sudan and South Sudan since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
The Ngok Dinka are permanent residents of the area, while Misseriya pastoralists traditionally move south from Sudan in search of grazing land and water. Disputes involving land, water and livestock movements have periodically contributed to tensions between the communities.
UNISFA said it would maintain an enhanced security presence while continuing efforts to protect civilians and prevent further escalation.
