AU to investigate death of Abyei chief
July 5, 2013 (JUBA) – The African Union is set to launch an investigation into the death of the Dinka Ngok paramount chief, killed in the disputed Abyei region in May.
Kuol Deng Kuol, the chief of the nine Dinka Ngok chiefdoms, was killed on 5 May when armed members of the Misseriya tribe, the Aran nomads in the area, attacked a United Nations convoy in which he travelled.
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers, deployed as part of the UN Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA), were also killed in the attack, which South Sudan has referred to the world body’s Security Council.
Ladsous, while meeting Kiir, shared his deep regrets for Kuol’s assassination, underlining that all armed elements entering Abyei will continue to be disarmed by UNISFA, as mandated by the UN Security Council.
The UN peace keeping chief, who was accompanied by Hilde Johnson, the head of its South Sudan mission, also congratulated Kirr on the country’s second independence anniversary due on 9 July.
At the meeting, however, president Kiir and Ladsous discussed the mission’s support to national political processes, such as the constitutional review, legal and judicial reforms and capacity-building of the national police, as well as the resolution of the conflict in the State of Jonglei.
The UN peacekeeping chief, specifically, saluted the government for its efforts to address the situation in Jonglei, including through the amnesty offered to armed groups.
He, according to a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, also discussed with the government international concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Jonglei, the grave violation of human rights perpetrated by the parties to the conflict, and the political and economic conditions necessary to achieve sustainable peace and reconciliation.
“The Government acknowledged its primary responsibility for the protection of civilians, and highlighted its efforts to regain the confidence of the population and restore stability in the state”, the statement reads in part.
Meanwhile, Ladsous reiterated the support of the UN towards the AU High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) efforts to attain peace between Sudan and South Sudan, saying “there would be no compromise on security”.
(ST)