AU condemns deadly drone attack on Abyei market
The African Union Commission Chairperson expressed concern over civilian casualties and suffering caused by the October 19 attack.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, condemned a drone attack on Amiet Market in the Abyei Administrative Area on October 19. Local authorities reported 220 people killed in the attack.
Youssouf expressed concern over civilian casualties and suffering, stating that civilians continue to pay an "intolerable price" through loss of loved ones and disruption of essential services. He called on all parties to halt attacks affecting civilians and protect humanitarian personnel.
The attack triggered a humanitarian crisis, displacing more than 8,000 people to Abyei town and surrounding areas. The AU Commission Chairperson urged parties to avoid actions that could fuel further conflict and reaffirmed AU support for mediation efforts.
Why it mattersCivilians in the Abyei Administrative Area suffered loss of life, displacement, and disruption of essential services due to the drone attack.