Misseriah and Dinka agree to coordinate Abyei annual migration

July 7, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Leaders of Misseriah and Dinka Ngok have agreed in Abyei to coordinate the annual migration movement of Misseria nomads. The agreement was signed between the two communities under the auspices of the United Nations.

The UN radio Miraya reported today that UNDP described this agreement as “a step forward for peace and reconciliation between the two communities.” The traditional leaders from Masseriya and Dinka agreed to form the Leaders’ Committee.

Last April, the UN sponsored the set up of a single Chamber of Commerce in Abyei for Misseriah and Dinka Ngok traders to look after the welfare of the traders, liaise with the authorities, advise on tax spending, and serve as the leading body on major projects related to health, education, water, sanitation, electricity, roads, and market access.

Due to the refusal of the National Congress Party of Omer al-Bashir to implement conclusions of Abyei Boundary Commission (ABC), the disputed oil rich area is still without administration since the signing of the CPA in January 2005.

The Misariyah Arab tribes reject ABC report and blame it for the administrative deterioration and security instability in the area.

Observers consider the NCP’s rejection of Abyei report as a blatant violation of the CPA, creating perhaps the most volatile element of the entire agreement right now.

The two partners of the government of national unity are regular holding talks on the issue of Abyei. The first vice-president Salva Kiir Mayardit had listened yesterday in Juba to an integral report on outcomes of the partners’ discussions on the Abyei.

Salva Kiir Mayardit has pledged to provide all efforts which might help the executive committee of the partners in their endeavours to reach into an agreement on the issue of Abyei.

(ST)