Civil Society Groups Warn of Rising Twic–Abyei Tensions

JUBA, South Sudan — August 31, 2026

Two South Sudanese civil society organizations have called for urgent government intervention as tensions rise between communities in Twic County of Warrap State and the neighboring Abyei Administrative Area.

The African Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding (ACCRPB) and the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) expressed concern about inflammatory statements, hostile messages and threats linked to the long-running dispute between the Twic and Ngok Dinka communities.

CEPO Executive Director Edmund Yakani warned that hostile language from political leaders could contribute to renewed violence. He appealed to leaders from both communities to reduce tensions and asked President Salva Kiir's government to respond to the warning signs before the situation becomes more serious.

Yakani also urged young people from Twic and Abyei not to allow themselves to be drawn into violence or used to advance political interests.

ACCRPB raised similar concerns about increasingly hostile exchanges involving political representatives from Twic County and Abyei. The organization highlighted reports of an ultimatum demanding that Ngok residents living south of the Kiir River leave the area within seven days. The reported ultimatum has not been independently verified, so it should be treated as an allegation rather than an established fact.

The peacebuilding organization warned that threats of displacement could create a serious security and humanitarian situation. It called on South Sudan's national government, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and regional partners to intervene and encourage dialogue.

The latest concerns come despite previous peace efforts between the two communities. Earlier initiatives supported by UN peacekeepers brought Twic and Ngok Dinka representatives together and produced commitments to stop hostilities, allow safer movement of people and goods, and combat hate speech and misinformation.

The dispute has caused deadly violence and displacement in previous years, making the latest warnings particularly significant for communities on both sides.