S. Sudan’s Kiir, leaders hold talks over final status of Abyei

October 20, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Ngok Dinka leaders from Abyei on Tuesday met to discuss the final status of the oil-producing region.

Kiir convened the meeting to hear views on the ongoing discussions on the final Status of Abyei based on the 2005 Protocol signed between the Juba and Khartoum.

Footages from the state-owned television (SSBC) showed Kiir and the leaders in a meeting.

South Sudan’s Presidential Affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin said President Kiir reiterated the commitment of the government and his administration to continue to follow the case with determination to ensure the final status of Abyei is amicably settled.

The leaders vowed to work with the government to calm the tense situation in the Abyei.

Francis Mading Deng, a prominent leader from Abyei, said it was time services were delivered to enable the people to return home, resume normal lives and co-exist peacefully.

He stressed the importance of ensuring the final status of the disputed region is resolved.

Meanwhile, former Cabinet Affairs minister, Luka Biong Deng appreciated the stance taken by the Juba government on the Abyei Protocol and its final status.

He lauded Kiir’s leadership, commitment and determination to resolve the Abyei issue.

Also in attendance was South Sudan’s Security Affairs advisor, Tut Gatluak Manine.

Under the terms of the Abyei Protocol, which was part of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), the residents of the Abyei have been declared, on an interim basis, to be simultaneously citizens of Sudan’s West Kordofan State and South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State until Abyei’s permanent status is determined through a referendum.

(ST)