Abyei traditional leaders laud UNISFA’s peace initiative

May 24, 2022 (JUBA) – Traditional leaders from the disputed oil-producing region of Abyei have commended the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) and the Ugandan government for the resolutions reached during the recently-concluded peace initiative held in Entebbe, Uganda.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune on Tuesday, the Paramount chief of the Ngok Dinka, Bulabek Deng Kuol lauded the UN mission’s role, stressing that such efforts should be maintained to enhance peace and stability in the area.

“For us as the leaders of Ngok what matters was that we were able to meet with them [Misseriya] and talked about important issues. The issue of insecurity, of attacking and killings without provocations.  In the old times, our traditional leaders used to hold meetings without the government but when different generations came, what the traditional leaders who knows their boundaries used to do was now taken by the government,” said Bulabek.

He added, “And so, a small problem which could be addressed promptly and amicably is allowed to stay for a long time”.

Bulabek said such efforts could be sustained to create peace and stability.

He commended the government of the united for hosting the talks at which the two sides signed a peace accord reiterating their commitment to achieving lasting peace in Abyei area.

The traditional leaders committed to advocating for inter-community dialogue to promote the protection of women and children as well as livestock and property, pledging to be tools for fostering peace between the two communities and to meet regularly in the quest for peace.

The four-point communique was signed by representatives of the two sides.

Bulabek represented the Dinka Ngok while the Misseriya delegation was represented by El Sadig Hireka Izzral Din at the joint conference organised by UNISFA.

(ST)