According to the Aweil Community Association in Abyei, which oversees the welfare of Aweil residents in the area, most of the detained youth are returnees who fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan and recently arrived in Abyei.
Abraham Ariath Piol, the association’s chairperson, said the community leadership is engaging local authorities to secure the release of those held on minor charges such as theft and petty crime.
“We met last Saturday here in Amiet, which brings together many people from both Sudan and South Sudan. The area has become a centre for returnees arriving spontaneously in large numbers,” Piol explained.
“Some of the youth have unfortunately become involved in fights, theft, or formed small gangs that disturb the peace. Many carry knives and engage in confrontations with members of the host community, leading to their detention.”
Piol emphasized that the association is seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue with the newly appointed commissioner of Ameth-Aguok County. “We have scheduled a meeting with the commissioner this Saturday to discuss several issues, including the possible suspension of some local representatives and chiefs who have not been effectively handling these community disputes,” he said.
He added that the returnee crisis is worsening as more displaced persons continue to arrive daily, straining local resources and security in the area.
“The number of returnees here continues to increase because Amiet is one of the main entry points,” Piol noted. “Unfortunately, our state government in Northern Bahr el Ghazal has not fulfilled its promise to send trucks to transport these people to safer areas. We appeal to the authorities to intervene urgently before the situation deteriorates further.”
Piol estimates that more than 1,500 returnees are currently stranded in makeshift camps around Amiet, many without food, shelter, or proper medical care. Local leaders fear that the lack of coordination and assistance could fuel more unrest if immediate measures are not taken.
