In a revised official statement dated Aug. 13, 2026, the Commissioner’s Office said the disputed area should remain undisturbed pending a final resolution of the land dispute through mechanisms agreed upon by the national government.
“As the highest government office in Twic County, we wish to make our position clear,” the statement said.
Condemnation letter by Twic County Commissioner, Mr. Mangok Kom Nyuol
Airstrip to be used for humanitarian purposes
The Twic County administration said an airstrip located within the disputed area should be used solely for humanitarian purposes and should not facilitate administrative, security or territorial expansion activities by any party.
Twic objects to political activities in disputed area
The commissioner also objected to political activities and official welcoming ceremonies being conducted inside the disputed territory. The statement said any welcoming ceremony involving Abyei officials or guests from the national government should instead be held at the middle of Akachnial Bridge, rather than inside the disputed area.
Twic sets conditions for access
The Twic County administration said it would not enter the disputed area without prior notice and clearance from the commander of the joint security forces deployed in Aneet.
The commissioner said the measure was intended to prevent unnecessary escalation and maintain order in the area. The statement also said the dispute over ownership of the land had not been resolved through mechanisms agreed upon by the national government.
“Any unilateral action undermines peace and risks escalation,” the statement said.
Call to respect presidential orders
Commissioner Mangok urged the Abyei Administrative Area to fully respect and implement what the statement described as four presidential orders issued by the Office of the President.
The measures cited in the statement include:
1. Ending hostilities between the Twic and Abyei communities.
2. Ensuring free movement of people and goods.
3. Discouraging hate speech and online propaganda.
4. Returning supporters and affiliates to their respective communities.
Separately, the statement called for the establishment of a national Land Dispute Resolution Committee and a Special Court to address land-related disputes.
Appeal to national government and UNISFA
Twic County said it remained committed to peace, coexistence and the rule of law, urging all sides to respect measures aimed at restoring lasting peace until the national government reaches a final resolution.
The commissioner called on the National Government, UNISFA and other peace partners to intervene and ensure that the buffer zone remains undisturbed.
“We urge restraint. We demand respect for the law,” the statement concluded.
Efforts to reach the Abyei Administrative Area for comment were unsuccessful.
