Key points
• Since Salva Kiir appointed Hussein Abdel Abgi as one of his five vice-presidents he has strengthened his control over the borderland region between South Sudan and Sudan, now occupying political space previously filled by Paul Malong (former SPLA Chief of Staff).
• Abdel Bagi has deepened his control of the re-formed Northern Bahr el-Ghazal by successfully negotiating the appointment of Tong Aken Ngor (former governor of Aweil state), who operates under his patronage as the new state governor.
• Abdel Bagi and Tong Aken have built their popularity with communities on both sides of the border by promising that they will help keep the peace, build new roads and strengthen the cross-border economy between Norther Bahr el-Ghazal and East Darfur / West Kordofan states.
• Abdel Bagi also used his links with the Misseriya community in Sudan, plus his relationship with Mohamed Hamdan Daglo ‘Himedti’—leader of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—to negotiate an end to a conflict between Dinka and Misseriya groups earlier in 2020.
• While security subsequently improved in the area, a recent build-up of armed Rizeigat groups from East Darfur—particularly around the 14-mile demilitarized zone—has raised concerns amongst the local Dinka community about a return to conflict in the area.
• The Dinka community has responded by distributing weapons and recruiting young men to reinforce the conventional military presence if conflict re-starts during the dry season, when Sudanese groups move livestock across the borderland.