UN envoy says alarmed by renewed fighting in Sudan’s Abyei
May 20, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The UN Secretary General special envoy Said alarmed by the the resumption of fighting between Sudan’s former foes in the disputed area of Abyei. He also urged the two parties to exercise self- restraint.
In a statement issued today Ashraf Jenhagir Qazi expressed grave concern over the renewed hostilities in Abyei between the Sudan Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army which have caused numerous casualties on both sides. He also called upon both sides to exercise the utmost restraint and to take immediate steps towards disengaging their respective forces.
“The recent round of armed hostilities underscores the urgent need for the political leadership of both sides to intensify their joint efforts to address the issues that underlie the current crisis.” He said.
Qazi regretted that the resumption of military confrontation comes so soon after the parties had met at the level of Ceasefire Joint Military Committee (CJMC) on 18 May 2008.
According to the 18 May deal, the SPLA troops should be pulled out to their previous position south of the river, while the SAF troops have to remain confined to their barracks inside Abyei and they should not be deployed outside the camps of the infantry Brigade 31.
Fighting in Abyei has displaced between 30-50,000 people southwards towards Agok. Five humanitarian hubs are assisting the displaced population in the 18 host villages in the Agok area. Approximately 600 people have been displaced from Abyei to Muglad.
UN and NGO’s have deployed to meet humanitarian needs in the area. The UN envoy said that food distribution has started in two centers; water facilities are being set up in all five UN hubs.
However he added that relief operations are endangered by insecurity.
The escalation of fighting and reported bombings will further exacerbate the humanitarian needs of the already affected population including the displaced and could hamper the continuation of the humanitarian operation which is being established in Agok, the statement said.
(ST)