Abyei security situation is very volatile – activist
July 3, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Abyei civil society association in Khartoum warned of quick deterioration of the security situation in Abyei due to the suspension of Abyei Protocol’s provisions signed between the National Congress party and the former rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.
In a press conference held in Khartoum on Sunday, the chairperson of the High Coordination Committee of Abyei Civil Society Sectors in Khartoum, Carlo Kojgor said the security situation in Abyei is very volatile.
He said there are militias that belong neither to the Sudanese army nor to the SPLM as is stipulated in the CPA. He also underlined that the Arab Misariyah tribe has it is proper militia.
The Misariyah and Dinka Ngok tribes have been locked in a heated dispute with each claiming ownership of the territory, and the Misariyah have angrily rejected boundaries proposed in a report by an international commission for the district.
Kojgor added that the ruling National Congress Party tries find a place for its Misariyah allies in the administration of the region contrary to Abyei protocol. He further said Misariyah participation in this administration is absolutely rejected.
On the joint meeting of the national unity government partners (NCP and SPLM) held at the end of last May, Kojgor said it was disappointing meeting.
He urged the presidency to meet a number of demands: first to accelerate the formation of Abyei administration, to consider Abyei report binding and definitive, rejection of the four options agreed in May joint meeting of NCP and SPLM, rejection of the Misariyah participation in Abyei administration, demand the government to facilitate voluntary return of IDPs, call international community to provide humanitarian aid to the returnees
Under the 9 January peace deal between the ruling National Congress party and the SPLA, the district is one of three granted special status during six years of interim autonomy in the south, leading to a referendum on independence.
(ST)