Abyei administrator says difference with cabinet members is over
By Ngor Arol Garang
December 18, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – Abyei Chief Administrator said they settled the difference he had with two of his cabinet members announcing the return to the area to resume their duties.
Last October, chief administrator ordered arresting two members of Abyei administration from the departments of finance and physical infrastructure following financial scandal allegations and defiance to administrative instructions. But the two denied the charges.
The difference between the chief administrator and the two members of cabinet stirred rumours about the resignation of Mr. Arop Mayak Monytoc. Also there are speculations that a list of six aspirants to the post of Abyei Chief Administration is circulating in Juba.
Speaking from Juba, the Chief Administrator said, he had met on Friday with the South Sudan President General Salva Kiir Mayardit to discuss the difference with two cabinet members who attended the meeting.
“We discussed assurance to working together as cabinet following resolution of administrative differences, Arop said, adding “what happened was just a mere misunderstanding which had been resolved.”
The Chief Administrator who is supported by traditional leaders further pointed out that one of the two cabinet members, who had been arrested, is returning to Abyei tomorrow on Saturday 19.
Describing the mood of the meeting he had with the President and two of his cabinet members, he said “very quiet, affable, educative, informing and focused on how to address issues surrounding border implementation and security of the area.”
“We discussed how and where to get money to pay employees who still have not been paid 6 months salaries and the need to hold peace and reconciliatory meetings with all clans representing nine Dinka Ngok chieftaincy and some clans from Messeriya tribes,” he said.
The head of Abyei administration during the interim period is appointed by the President Omer Al-Bashir in consultation with his First Vice President Salva Kiir. After a referendum to be held next year the area has to decide whether to be part of South Kordofan or to join southern Sudan.
A traditional chief in Abyei, Deng Kuol, told Sudan Tribune, by telephone they do not see a need for a new governor now particularly there are only four months for the elections.
“I do not object voluntary resignation as this is one of the individuals’ rights but such decision would carry more weights if there were no elections,” he further said.
“They should also be allowed to finish this remaining period if their decision to resign is in any way relates to pressure exerted by the governed population,” he adds.
Mijak Kuol, Abyei youth representative in Juba, said priority should be given to settle the existing differences between chief administrator and two of his cabinet members.
(ST)