SPLM accuse Misseriya of forming road blocks in Abyei

January 18, 2011 (ABYEI) – Tensions are once again rising in the oil-producing region of Abyei, with the south’s ruling-SPLM accusing the member of the Misseriya of continuing road blocks in the region.

Two weeks ago, four days of clashes, in three different locations in the north of Abyei armed confrontations between local police and armed elements of the Misseriya tribe, left at least 36 dead and 30 others wounded.

The cause of the violence is believed to be reports that the Dinka Ngok tribe was preparing to hold a unilateral referendum to return Abyei to South Sudan. The region currently lies in to the north of the north-south border in South Kordofan state to which it was transferred in 1905 by the British.

In the 2005 peace accord, that ended Sudan’s two-decade north-south civil war, Abyei was granted special status and the right to decide through a referendum whether to remain in the north or join the south. However, despite the south’s independence referendum going ahead on schedule, the vote has not taken place.

The main sticking point has been over the Misseriya. Sudan’s northern ruling party the NCP has demanded that the nomadic group, which enters Abyei to graze their cattle for a few months each year, be allowed vote. This has been rejected by the SPLM who argue that the Dinka Ngok are the only group eligible to vote.

Following the clashes from 7-10 January, traditional leaders from Dinka Ngok and Misseriya on 13 January signed an agreement to end armed confrontations.

The agreement signed by traditional leaders was followed on January 17, in Kadugli, capital of Southern Kordofan, between the delegations from the Government of Sudan (GoS) led by interior minister Ibrahim Mohamed Hamid and Gier Chuang Aluong of the Government of South Sudan (GoSS).

The key measures of the agreement included, the provision of security for Abyei by deploying more Joint Integrated Units (JIU), ensuring the freedom of migration for Misseriya nomads to Abyei and southwards; and providing security for the movement of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) returning to Abyei and further to South Sudan. JIU’s are comprised of troops from the northern Sudan Armed Forces and south Sudan’s army the SPLA.

Speaking to Sudan Tribune, a member of the UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), who attended the Kadugli talks, said the agreement builds upon and widens the accord between the Misseriya and the Dinka Ngok reached last week in Abyei.

“This is another encouraging step toward ending clashes in the region. We welcome it and commend the two parties for reaching this encouraging step. As UNMIS we commend the two parties for their continuous efforts to resolve their differences through peaceful and constructive dialogue, and encourage all concerned to implement the security arrangements agreed upon in Kadugli without further delay. UNMIS stands ready to provide all the necessary support,” the UN official, who did not want to be named, said.

However, Miyen Alor Kuol, a member of the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) in Abyei, told Sudan Tribune on 18 January that armed Misseriya had gathered and put up several road blocks along the highly contested border leading to south Sudan early on 11 January.

Kuol said he saw gatherings of up to 30 people, carrying hand-held grenades and Kalashnikovs. “The Misseriya will never accept a peaceful dialogue. They are always like that. They call for peace when they are in weak position and renege it when they are in strong position,” he said.

“Now they have again started laying blocks on roads which were agreed to be opened for passage of the internally displaced persons returning home from Khartoum, as one of the pressures on the south Sudan government to allow them participate in Abyei referendum.

“You see, we were this morning going to Maker Abior where there was a clash recently for a visit. As were coming back, we saw a gathering of about 400 people at Goli and as [we] were about to reach them, local people stopped our vehicles and told us not to go any further saying armed Misseriya have laid road blocks in Goli,” he explained.

UNMIS security officials in Abyei confirmed the gatherings and said a group started gathering yesterday and was dispersed by late evening and appeared to be a show of force.

Raham Abdul Rahman, a deputy chief administrator and member of Misseriya tribe in an interview with Sudan Tribune from Kadugli said he was not aware of such gatherings.

“I cannot comment,” he said. “I am not of this gathering,” said Rahma. He, however, accepted that seven automatic Kalashnikov rifles were taken from members of the UNMIS in Difra town on 14 January, but have been returned.

“Yes, there was a misunderstanding resulting from a language problem but these arms were given back the following day when I received this information. It has been solved. There is no problem now. The UN has been assured that they can move freely in the area,” said Rahma.

(ST)