Messeriya call for immediate extension of basic services

By Ngor Arol Garang

September 22, 2009 (MUGLAD) -A leader from one of the Messeriya clans today called on Abyei interim administration to immediately extend basic services to their regions.

Mutar Babo, a paramount chief of Messeriya, was the first to accept the arbitration court ruling last July on Abyei boundaries. He is also known for his good relationships with Dinka Ngok in the area particularly Kuol Adol — the successor son of Sultan Deng Majok.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune from Muglad in southern Kordofan, Babo called on the government to extend basic services desperately needed in his areas far reached by Southern Kordofan state government. He further said providing such service would enhance the boost the exiting relations and encourage peaceful coexistence.

He said the era of Sultan Deng Majok and Babo Nimir was a good period. Everything was one. “Treatment and handling of social matters was uniforms. Fines for punishments in both courts were uniforms,” he said saying this must be resumed and carried forward regardless of political influences.

“Even if borders are demarcated; individual relationships will not be demarcated,” he said adding his relationship with Amir Kuol Deng commonly known as Kuol Adol — the successor son of Sultan Deng Majok — will never be demarcated even if borders are created between them with Dinka Ngok.

“Our relationships with Amir Kuol are just like the relationships my father had with Sultan Deng Majok, he said saying Deng Majok families are the best to live with.”

He also said does not need these relationships to be limited to Amir Kuol families and relatives but to entire Dinka Ngok as it was in the past.

“To keep these relationships stronger to the next generations, we must encourage shared integrated basic services delivery across our areas just like in the past,” he said.

He said Areas which are not far from Abyei should be given utmost attention by Abyei administration instead of concentrating development in the town, he said.

Our representation in the administration should not just be in personnel but should also be seen in services delivery, he stressed.

Asked what they need from Abyei administration, he said, we need more education centers, health units, roads and security forces in and around areas that accommodates armed criminals from both sides.

He also called on Dinka Ngok to increase relationship including marriage and retail business.

(ST)