Sudan’s NCP warns SPLM against annexation of Abyei

December 29, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The ruling National Congress Party (NCP) said it has received information showing a plan by the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) to take unilateral actions on the disputed region of Abyei that lies on the North-South borders.

Al-Dirdiri Mohamed Ahmed, who is in charge of Abyei file at the NCP, told reporters on Wednesday that the ex-Southern rebel group has contacted the Public International Law & Policy Group (PILPG) to devise a plan that would call for an SPLM organized referendum that would only incorporate the Dinka Ngok.

Both parties have yet to find common ground on the oil district of Abyei which had supposed to be holding a vote on its own future next month that has been delayed by disagreements over who should be eligible to vote. Moreover, demarcating the region’s borders has been stalled by threats of the Arab Misseriya tribe who want to be part of the referendum vote.

Ahmed said that PILPG advised the SPLM that a unilateral referendum within a united Sudan would be considered an internal self-determination which does not require an approval from the central government in Khartoum or the NCP.

Once the South decides to separate as expected in next month’s referendum Abyei would become part of the new nation, he said.

The NCP official said that the Dinka Ngok have agreed to allow the Misseriya to take part in the region’s referendum after earlier opposition to the idea.

He warned that if the SPLM goes ahead with any unilateral measures in Abyei the NCP will reject the South Sudan referendum outcome.

In accordance with the 2005 peace accord, the population of Abyei is to decide on whether they want to be part of the north or a possible new country in the south. This vote was supposed take place simultaneously with the one in Southern Sudan.

Last week, the head of the United Nations panel tasked with monitoring the South Sudan referendum expressed concern over the lingering deadlock over Abyei.

“On Abyei, our grave concerns have not abated. As the negotiations continue, it is vital that everyone involved shows patience and does their utmost to reach a peaceful and permanent settlement acceptable to all” said Benjamin Mkapa, the chair of the Panel and the former President of Tanzania.

(ST)

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