Calm returns to Abyei after talks between Misseriya, Dinka Ngok
August 23, 2022 (JUBA) – Relative calm has returned to the disputed oil producing Abyei region following the successful mediation of talks on peaceful co-existence between Misseriya and Dinka Ngok communities.
The talks were mediated by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the body tasked to maintain peace in the disputed region.
“For the one month, the general security situation has witnessed a relative calm. The initiative of the United Nations to call the two communities and encouraged to talk has seen a positive impact,” said Kuol Deim Kuol, the South Sudan-appointed Chief Administrator for Abyei Administrative Area.
He added, “People are moving now and the peace market is functioning well. People from the states in south Sudan as far from eastern equatorial, western and central equatorial are passing here on their way to Sudan. Our immigrant officials are recording a significant movement of people for services to Sudan. Those going for treatment and those going to visit their family members, friends or for purpose trade are moving”.
Kuol said tension has reduced and movement has been resumed between natives of Abyei and Twic in Warrap after the April clashes over territorial claim for ownership of Agok, which claimed lives and displaced people.
The paramount chief of Abyei, Bulabak Kuol Deng also commended the initiative of the UN and the government of the Republic of South Sudan for continuing to explore ways to end the dispute over the area with Sudan.
He said the political crisis in Sudan was also affecting the peace process in the disputed region, citing lack of commitment and demonstration of good will by the military leadership to engage in last peaceful settlement.
“As you can see, there is really a serious vacuum which has been created by the current political situation in Sudan. The military leadership currently in power is engaged in how to end ensure they are accepted by the Sudanese people, which is now a big challenge”, Deng told Sudan Tribune.
The UN peacekeepers, according to the paramount chief, was only able to provide security and control the situation with limited resources and capacity to provide services like health, education, construct roads and bridges to enable the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes.
(ST)