At the 8th Governors’ Forum on Wednesday, Abyei’s Deputy Chief Administrator, Deng Arop Mading, highlighted that the ongoing political stalemate and the unresolved status of the region pose significant threats to peace, security, and development in Abyei.
“The prolonged political impasse over Abyei final status resolution poses a serious threat to peace, security, and development,” Mading stated. “[We] appeal for endorsement of the Abyei community referendum of 31st October 2013.”
The Ngok Dinka community conducted the 2013 referendum after attempts to hold a joint plebiscite under the African Union failed.
Despite the voters' decision to unite with South Sudan, neither Sudan nor the international community recognized the referendum, leaving Abyei's status unresolved.
The Ngok Dinka argue that their decision reflects local aspirations, while Sudan and the Misseriya community, who also claim residency in Abyei, view the move as unilateral and illegal under previous agreements.
Deng Arop Mading highlighted various pressing challenges in Abyei, worsened by the lack of a final status resolution and the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
“Intercommunal conflict between sisterly communities Ngok Dinka and Twic has slowed the flow of goods and services,” Mading mentioned.
“The crisis in Sudan is alarming and threatening to security stability in the Abyei Area. The influx of returnees, IDPs, and refugees from Sudan constitutes an unbearable burden to the Abyei special administrative area.”
Mading also decried the “delay in appointing a civilian head of the United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei” as one of the challenges that the area faced.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) currently lacks a civilian head in Abyei, which hinders effective security oversight.
Mading also highlighted issues such as environmental degradation, illegal roadblocks, and tax collection by security forces, all of which contribute to local instability.
To address these challenges, he made several recommendations, including the recognition of the 2013 referendum. He urged South Sudan’s government and international partners to endorse the referendum results, allowing Abyei to fully join South Sudan.
