The United Nations is investigating reports that U.N. peacekeepers stayed in their barracks during recent fighting between forces from northern and southern Sudan in the disputed border region of Abyei, a U.N. official said Saturday. The U.N. peacekeeping department sent its top military advisor, Gen. Babacar Gaye, to Abyei "to determine the circumstances surrounding recent events," spokesman Michel Bonnardeaux said.The fighting and continued tensions over Abyei -- a fertile land near major oil fields -- have raised fears of renewed civil war only weeks before South Sudan secedes from the north on July 9.
The north's invasion of the Abyei region and takeover of the town of Abyei was precipitated by a May 19 attack on northern and U.N. troops by southern soldiers.
Several U.N. diplomats criticized the peacekeepers from Zambia for failing to carry out their mandate, which includes patrolling and protecting civilians in the oil-rich area. The diplomats spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. A phone call to Zambia's U.N. Mission seeking comment was not answered.