UN says supporting Abyei efforts for peace and stability

September 15, 2009 (ABYEI) – The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) said today it supports the efforts of the local administration to restore peace and stability in Abyei area.

The oil rich region of Abyei is considered by many as one of the areas with the highest percentages of IDPs during the two decades of war in southern and central parts of the country.

Despite the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005, the two peace parties settled their difference on the border of Abyei recently when an arbitration tribunal issued its ruling last July.

UNMIS Recovery, Return and reintegration officer in Abyei, Ms. Viaviana Olivetto, told Sudan Tribune that the first need in the longtime disputed area is stability and a safe environment.

“As UN, our efforts are geared toward supporting the local administration in leading the return operation process,” she said.

She further added the need to improve stability to encourage the IDPs to return home stressing that the UNMIS team in Abyei is doing the best it can to ensure situation return normal.

According to the southern Sudan humanitarian body, SSRRC, the number of IDPs from Abyei in the past stood at around 200,000 people.

SSRRC official in Abyei Bol Bulbek, in Abyei, further said an estimated 70,000 people are believed to have returned over three years pushing the population to 90,000 when occurred the bloody clashes between northern and southern Sudan armies in May 2008.

The further added that after the renewal of clashes last year some 50,000 people had fled the town again across Kiir River into Agok further South and another 5,000 to the northern town of Muglad and its surroundings.

(ST)