South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar have jointly called for an end to the sub-national violence in Abyei Special Administrative Area and other parts of the country.

Presidential Press Unit in a statement on Monday evening said the two leaders made this call  during a meeting which centered on the land-related conflict between the communities of Ngok Dinka in Abiey and Twic in Warrap State.

It added that the leaders discussed on the upcoming elections, funding of the electoral institutions and the pending tasks of the security arrangements.

“Presidential Affairs Minister Hon. Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro said the meeting further discussed the upcoming elections, particularly funding of the electoral institutions and the Phase II of the Security Arrangements in accordance with the September 2018 revitalized peace agreement,” said Presidential Press Unit.

Over the weekend, at least 30 people were killed and dozens wounded in the Abyei Box in a clash between Ngok Dinka and Twic communities.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) strongly denounced the ongoing violence, which it said is escalating inter-communal tensions and threatening the fragile peace. 

The violence follows a series of similar attacks by armed groups on 27 and 28 January, which resulted in the death at least 53 people, the loss of two UN peacekeepers, and widespread displacement.