SPLM’s Lino calls for withdrawal of national police in Abyei’s oil fields
By Ngor Arol Garang
December 5, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Edward Lino, a son of Abyei and one of the leading members of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, has called for immediate withdrawal of the national police from areas around oil fields in the region.
Addressing members of the Liberation council in his capacity as Abyei SPLM chairman on Friday December 4, he said that presence of the national police inside Abyei territory even after the ruling shows clear violation of the Abyei road map and protocol as well.
The official said both Abyei road map and Abyei protocols signed on June 8, 2008, clearly states that security of the region will be strictly controlled by Joint integrated units and Joint integrated police
“Why are these police forces still deployed around oil installation areas,” he posed recommending that Joint Integrated Units and Joint Police Integrated Units take over from them.
“In the light of this clear provision, I call upon the central government to immediately consider withdrawal of the national police still in Abyei territory so that security of the oil companies, their personnel and assets remains under the control of the JIUS and JPIUS,” he said.
He also called on the government to equally instruct elements belonging to Sudan Armed Forces to halt from repressive attitudes hindering free movement of civil population returning to the area from northern states.
There have been several reports that public transports carrying innocent civilians mostly returnees with no military weapons are regularly detained for two to three days on both roads coming from Muglad and Nyamba from Heglig, he said.
“Civilians say elements alleged to be part of SAF brigade 31 detain targeted busses under the pretext of armed search operation in the area,” he adds.
Edward, who was the former SPLM appointed chief administrator, further accused political forces he declined to mention of having been trying hard to trash into dustbins comprehensive Peace Agreement.
“They do not sleep but thinks about how to dishonor crucial provisions in the deal such as referendum provided for people of Abyei and South Sudan in the CPA,” he adds.
(ST)