No order to deploy South Sudan forces to Abyei: official
May 21, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s senior military official said no troops would be deployed in the contested border area of Abyei where the UN security force (UNISFA) military personnel.
On May 13, Michael Makuei Information Minister and South Sudanese Government Spokesman announced that troupes would be deployed in Abyei after fresh inter-communal fighting in the Malual-Aleu area between the Ngok Dinka and Twic.
Gen Santino Deng Wol, chief of South Sudan People’s Defend Forces (SSPDF) his army officers, however, the army command did not receive any orders to deploy troops to the restive border region of Abyei.
“People have been coming to my office asking to clarify or give them any document relating to the decision of the council of ministers to deploy to Abyei,”. Gen Santino Deng told a group of officers on Thursday, several told the Sudan Tribune.
“I have been clear to them, that there are no directives from the leadership to deploy. Maybe it is still something the leadership of this country is discussing,” he further added.
He directed officers to not take the media report until they have seen official directives from the leadership, specifically from President Salva Kiir, military sources told the Sudan Tribune on Friday.
The Sudanese army and SPLA forces clashed in the disputed area in May 2011 less than two months before the planned independence of South Sudan.
In line with the 2005 peace agreement, the South Sudanese army pulled out of Abyei which remains part of the Sudan until a referendum is held to decide on the future of the disputed area.
In June 2011, the two sides signed an agreement brokered by the African Union providing the deployment of an international force to protect civilians until the organization of the vote on the area.
The Security Council positively responded to the request of the Sudanese government
But the failure to reach an agreement on who is eligible to participate in this vote makes it complicated efforts to hold this referendum.
(ST)