UNSC, US warn against Abyei unilateral referendum

October 25, 2013 (JUBA) – Fearing a negative impact on the relations between Khartoum and Juba of an unilateral vote and possible tensions between the two communities of Dinka Ngok and Misseriya in Abyei, the UN Security Council and the United States urged to refrain from actions that can increase tension in the disputed area.

The Security Council, in a statement released on Thursday, called on the Governments of the Sudans to refrain from any unilateral action that could heighten tension between the two neighbouring countries or impede a solution regarding the contested region.

The Council members reiterated “their grave concern about the highly volatile situation in Abyei area,” according to a press statement read by Azerbaijan ambassador Agshin Mehdiyev who is chairing the UN body for October.

Mehdiyev also expressed the Council’s support for an African Union delegation visit to Abyei on 26 and 27 October as an “opportunity to ease tension” in the region.

The statement follows Tuesday’s meeting between South Sudan president, Salva Kiir and his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir in the South Sudan capital, Juba.

The two leaders, according to a joint communiqué obtained by Sudan Tribune, only agreed on general terms for administration and policing of Abyei, to be handled by both parties.

They also agreed “to expedite the establishment of Abyei Administration, Council and Police organs, and reaffirmed that the 2% share of Abyei Area’s oil revenue, including arrears, will be paid to the Abyei Administration”.

Resolving the final status of Abyei still remains a major issue between Sudan and South Sudan after the latter broke away from the former in July 2011, leaving several unresolved post-secession issues.

The 15-member Council, meanwhile, echoed calls from the UN Secretary General for the parties to resume immediately negotiations to reach agreement on Abyei final status under the auspices of 2012 African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP).

The US State Department, in a statement, welcomed the outcome of Bashir-Kiir summit in Juba, warned the Dinka Ngok against unilateral action, saying it could jeopardize peace between the two countries.

“We also call on Abyei community leaders to refrain from actions that could increase tensions in Abyei”, said a statement released by the, deputy State Department spokesperson, Marie Harf, on Wednesday.

Last year, the AU mediation team proposed holding a referendum in Abyei this month, but stated that only those residing permanently in the area will be allowed to vote in the plebiscite and decide whether they want to join Sudan or South Sudan.

The Sudanese government, however, rejected the AU proposal aimed at breaking the deadlock over Abyei referendum saying it ignored that the eligibility of the Misseriya.

(ST).