Thousands of the Abyei residents have carried out peaceful demonstrations demanding autonomy and recognition by the international and African communities.
The community leaders handed a petition with their demands to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abye (UNISFA).
The 4,000 square mile Abyei Area lies on the border between South Sudan and the Sudan that was been accorded “special administrative status” by the 2004 Abyei Protocol in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). However, the issue remained unresolved when South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011.
“The important thing is that I beg the international and African communities to accept the decision of the Abyei people because they have been suffering since the Anyanya I war between the North and the South in 1955 until the Addis Ababa Agreement,” he said. “And again from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army war in 1983 until the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005.”
“The people of Abyei are still suffering although South Sudan gained its independence and for that reason, we hope the opportunity should be opened to the People of Abyei to enjoy stability, security, and prosperous life,” he added.
Paramount chief Bulabek said the decision to demand autonomy was reached by the nine Ngok Dinka communities without the involvement of any government.
An Abyei resident who was among the demonstrators and preferred anonymity for security reasons said they were demanding self-rule.
“Of course, the demonstrations are meant for Abyei autonomy for the time being until its fate is decided in the future,” he said. “Abyei must be an independent area and if the referendum is endorsed, they will decide later whether to join Sudan or South Sudan.”
Another Abyei resident, Nyanmou Majith, said they came up with the decision so that they would be free from threats along their boundaries.
“We are supporting the move and we are thankful because we want to make things ready and stay proud in our land,” she said. “We always run away from our homes for our lives so all women are supporting the resolution.”
