Archive · 18 Sep 2026
At Least 26 Killed in South Sudan Tribal Clashes
At least 26 people died in fighting in Abyei town.
Another 82 people were injured.
The fighting happened at a busy market called Amiet Common Market.
Members of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes were involved.
Tensions grew after two men, one from each tribe, were killed on separate days.
The United Nations sent more security forces to the market.
The two groups have had deadly disputes before over land and water for animals.
Abyei is an oil-rich area claimed by both South Sudan and Sudan.
At least 26 people were killed and 82 injured in clashes in Abyei town, according to the United Nations.
The violence involved members of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes at the Amiet Common Market.
Tensions escalated after two men, one from each tribe, were killed on Monday and Tuesday.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei reinforced its presence around the market to help de-escalate the violence.
Abyei is an oil-rich, disputed area jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, where past clashes have involved grazing land and water disputes.
- Who
- Members of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribes were involved; at least 26 people were killed and 82 injured.
- What
- Clashes broke out between the rival tribes.
- When
- The clashes were reported on Thursday, September 17, after initial killings on Monday and Tuesday.
- Where
- The violence occurred at the Amiet Common Market in Abyei town, on the border between South Sudan and Sudan.
- Why
- The clashes followed the killings of two men and occurred amid longstanding disputes over grazing lands and watering points.
- Deaths
- At least 26 people
- Injured
- 82 people
- Location
- Amiet Common Market, Abyei town
- Tribes involved
- Ngok Dinka and Misseriya
- Security response
- The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei reinforced its presence around the market.
- Abyei status
- An oil-rich area jointly administered by South Sudan and Sudan, both of which claim it.
- Recent national context
- South Sudan has been mostly at peace since a 2018 agreement ended a five-year conflict.