Bashir appoints administrators for Abyei area

October 7, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The President of Sudan Omar Al-Bashir on Monday appointed chairmen for the five departments in Abyei area, the disputed border region between Northern and Southern Sudan.

The move follows a decree in August in which the president appointed Arop Mayak Mony Toc as Chief of Abyei Administration flanked by Rahama Abdel Rahman Al-Nour as a deputy.

Bashir requested that the chief administrator and his deputy present their recommendations within two weeks regarding the appointment of the seven members of the Executive Council and the twenty members of Abyei Area Council.

The five chairmen appointed Monday are Ayom Moneb Ayom Korsek, Nwak Afog Anyar, Deng Ar Deng, Kol Arok Kol, and Matees Anyak Kol.
Bashir additionally made the following appointments to the Council of Abyei area: Alek Shol Manel, Ayor Malek Ajang, Ashai Deng Abem, Adol Kalot, Akwel Majak Kok, Umbadi Kabbashi, Akon Atak Gok Atem, Piol Menyang Anyok, Zakariya Atem Beyen, Yai Lamen Kuwal, Kuwal Agok Deng, Kabbashi Al-Toam Kabbashi, Makoy Angok gak, Majak Mates Agom, Mekki Heraizan Suleiman, Musa Bagadi Habib, Maria Ayok Guwen, Niyal Na Ajang Manel Ro, Shol Agok Ngor and Charles Abyei Dug.

The row over the definition of the Abyei border has stalled the implementation of a 2005 protocol specific to the area. But the two peace partners in the Government of National Unity reached on June 8 a roadmap agreement to implement the protocol and to end their difference over the conclusions of Abyei Boundary Commission.

In accordance with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the head of the administration is named by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and his deputy should come from the National Congress Party (NCP). Both ought to be Abyei natives.

The original SPLM candidate for administrator in the disputed area, Edward Lino, was fiercely opposed by Dinka Ngok traditional leaders. The NCP was also not in favour of his appointment, accusing him of instigation the local hostilities in the area.

The disputed area witnessed fierce fighting last May between the Southern and Northern armies. About 50,000 people were displaced and 89 killed.

The International Arbitration Court in The Hague is the body chosen by the parties to settle their difference over the finding of the Abyei Boundaries Commission.

(ST)