U.N. pledge to support return of Abyei displaced

July 27, 2008 (JUBA) — The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) hailed the withdrawal of the northern and southern Sudan armies form Abyei and pledged to hep for the repatriation of the displaced area.

In a roadmap reached on June 8, to allow the quick return of the displaced population of Abyei after May fighting, the two peace partners the National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) agreed to deploy a battalion of 700 soldier on equal parts from SAF and SPLA and to withdraw the troops of the former foes.

The withdrawal of the two armies was confirmed by the Commander of the Brigade 31 in Abyei, Brigadier Osman Ali Jarnal, and the Commander of the JIUs in Abyei, Brigadier Doc Valentino, who said that the integrated units will provide security and prepare for the displaced return.

The Regional Coordinator of the United Nations Mission in Sudan, David Gressly, told the UN sponsored Miraya that the UN and the other humanitarian agencies will help in repatriating the displaced people back to their areas after the deployment of the police force.

Gressly on July 9 stated from Juba that the parties agreed to deploy 1000 joint police units comprising equal number from both sides. He added that “The phased training and deployment of the first 200 joint integrated police unit will start as soon as those from the south arrive in Abyei.”

379 police officers from the north are already in Abyei.

The UN coordinator hailed the pull-out of SAF and the SPLA saying it is a step forward for the deployment of the joint police forces to the area.

According to the roadmap, the return of the displaced population had to start by the end of June.

Also a joint interim administration is still not formed.

The north-south peace deal in 2005 ended Africa’s longest civil war, shared power and wealth, enshrined democratic transformation and created separate north and south armies. The south and Abyei will be able vote in 2011 on possible secession.

Some 2 million people died in Sudan’s north-south war that also displaced around 4 million. It is separate from the Darfur conflict in the west of the country.

(ST)