African Union condemns drone attack that killed 220 in Abyei
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eyeradio
The drone attack on Amiet Market in the Abyei Administrative Area killed 220 people, according to local authorities. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on the parties to protect civilians and guarantee humanitarian access, Eye Radio reports.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on Thursday condemned the drone attack on Amiet Market, in the Abyei Administrative Area, which killed 220 people according to local authorities. In a statement issued in Addis Ababa, he denounced the “intolerable” price paid by civilians, including loss of life, displacement and the destruction of livelihoods.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called on all parties to stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, protect humanitarian and medical personnel, and guarantee rapid and unhindered access for humanitarian aid. He also reaffirmed the African Union’s support for regional and international mediation efforts.
The 19 October attack also displaced more than 8,000 people to the town of Abyei and its surrounding areas, according to figures cited by Eye Radio from local authorities. The African Union’s condemnation came after that of the South Sudanese government, which had condemned the bombing of Amiet Market on 21 October.
