Abyei holds reconciliation conference between Dinka Ngok and Misseriya

By Ngor Arol Garang

August 1, 2009 (ABYEI) — The War Affected areas for Relief, Reconstruction and Development (WAARRD), an indigenous non- governmental organization in Abyei today started week-long peace and Reconciliation Conference between Dinka Ngok and Misseriya communities.

Tensions have ran high following ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that gave most of Abyei land to the Dinka Ngok while leaving oil fields out of the region effectively making it part of the North.

Some key figures of the Misseriya tribe protested the ruling saying the government traded oil for their lands. Furthermore both the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and Sudan people Liberation Movement (SPLM) are in disagreement over who can vote in the 2011 Abyei referendum.

Speaking at the conference, Kabashi Tom Kabashi, member of the Abyei Legislative council, told participants that “he sleeps and wakes up” thinking of what should be done to bring lasting peace and reconciliation between Dinka and Misseriya tribes.

“I really do not understand how Misseriya and Dinka Ngok come into conflict that explodes and extends into North and South issue, when illiterate people from both Dinka and Misseriya tribes had lived peacefully for years without such extended tribal conflict,” Kabashi said.

Kabashi Tom, who had lived in Abyei for years trying to reconcile both tribes, further added that peace comes “with a lot of developmental activities than war”.

“Through peace Misseriya and Dinka Ngok are able to travel far south and north without any repressive measures other than war times when both tribes were confined to their areas,” he said.

“If one cannot travel farther south from north and likewise South to North that is confinement which does not encourage development. Such repressive measures cripple business activities hence affecting the economy of a country,” he commented.

Kabashi said he “appreciates and supports position” of Sudan’s First Vice President of the Republic of Sudan and President of the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), Salva Kiir Mayardit, that he or his party will not be the first to return country to war.

“This is a very responsible and nation carrying position,” he said.

Last year Abyei witnessed some of the fiercest fighting between North and South Sudan forces killing dozens of people, displacing thousands and destroying almost the entire city.

(ST)