AUPSC urges Sudan and S. Sudan to resolve Abyei impasse

September 15, 2014 (JUBA) – The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has urged the two Sudans to expedite the implementation of the outstanding administrative and security elements of the June 2011 Agreement on Abyei, in order to meet the everyday needs of the people in the disputed oil-producing region.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 456th meeting held on 12 September, the regional body emphasised that the parties may interpret those provisions creatively based on mutual understanding, and that the implementation of the temporary arrangements should, in no way, jeopardize the discussions on the final status of Abyei.

The AUPSC, during its meeting, also recalled that the two countries’ leaders had continuously affirmed their commitment to jointly handle the question of the final status of the Abyei, acknowledging the progress so far made towards the stabilisation and normalisation of the situation, including return of the displaced persons into Abyei.

“At the same time, Council notes with concern that key elements of the June 2011 Agreement have not yet been implemented, and that these delays are affecting the normalization of the life of the people of Abyei,” partly reads the AUPSC’s communiqué.

The regional body further emphasised that without further progress, the achievements made to date on Abyei would be jeopardised.

Abyei is one of the thorny and contentious items in the negotiations between Khartoum and Juba. The parties still diverge on the voter eligibility for the referendum on self-determination for Abyei residents. Also since the agreement of 20 June 2011, Juba refuses to create a joint administration in the contested area, a matter that Khartoum sees as crucial before to consider any other step.

Meanwhile, the AUPSC appreciated the cooperation extended by the parties to the AU Border Program (AUBP), leading to the completion of the AUBP technical assessment report on the capacity of Sudan and South Sudan to demarcate their borders.

The Council, “Appreciates the assistance given by the Parties to the AU Team of Experts (AUTE) on the Settlement of Boundary Issues, and urges that the process of exchanging the written submissions be expedited, to enable the AUTE complete its work in a timely manner”.

(ST)