Sudan’s NCP appoints five officials in Abyei
December 25, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – In a move aiming to boost its political activities, Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) on Friday appointed five leading members in the disputed area of Abyei.
Two other Ngok Dinka; Abdallah Deng and Gifford Makuei Daw al-Beit are appointed for eastern Abyei and southern Abyei sectors respectively. The two areas are located South to Bahr al-Arab or Kiir River where the tribe is settled.
Also, Makki Hraigan Alaish will lead the party’s section in western Abyei while Ambadi Yahia is appointed for northern Abyei. The two areas are the settlement of Misseriya tribe, according to the NCP’s decision.
In line with the peace agreement of 2005 that led to the independence of South Sudan, Abyei population has to decide through a referendum whether they want to remain in the Sudan or to join the new nation.
However the two parties failed to hold the referendum because they did not reach an agreement on who can participate in this vote.
Speaking on conditions of anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, a NCP official told Sudan Tribune they are supportive of the implementation of 20 June 2011 agreement which calls to establish a joint administration and a police force.
He further disclosed that the two NCP officials from the Ngok Dinka are now residing in Khartoum.
In an unilateral referendum organized in 2013, the Ngok Dinka decided to join the South Sudan but Khartoum and Juba refused to recognize this vote.
The Ngok Dinka refuse the formation of the joint administration, saying the priority should be given for the organization of the referendum.
The Sudanese government says Abyei remains a Sudanese territory and only the joint administration will allow to prepare the ground for the run of the referendum.
(ST)