Email
Print
Save
May 29, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) announced on Saturday that it has ended its military operation in Abyei which lies on the North-South borders, a week after it moved on to seize control of the oil-producing region.
- A machinegun-mounted truck manned by members of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) drive past burning businesses and homesteads, locally known as "tukuls", burn in the centre of Abyei, central Sudan in this handout photograph released on May 28, 2011 (Reuters)
Sudan’s official news agency (SUNA) quoted SAF spokesperson Al-Sawarmi Khalid Sa’ad as saying that Abyei now "enjoys safety and security".
The military spokesperson called on the Dinka Ngok, Misseriya and other tribes to return to the region and resume their lives there. He vowed that SAF will provide protection to national and international humanitarian aid groups operating in Abyei.
Khartoum justified its takeover of Abyei by saying that it was in retaliation to an ambush near the region it blamed on the Southern military groups. The SAF convoy that came under attack was escorted by peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS).
Widespread fighting and looting forced around 40,000 people to flee down muddy roads without their possessions. Entire villages were emptied, international organizations say.
The 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) promised Abyei residents a referendum over whether to join the north or south, but that did not take place as neither could agree who was qualified to vote.
The South already voted last January in a separate referendum in favor of secession which will become official in July.
(ST)
Latest Comments & Analysis
Is UNSC only legitimate to Sudan in complaint times? 2012-05-20 01:45:00 By Zechariah Manyok Biar May 19, 2012 — Sudanese leaders seem to think they are smarter than anybody else in this world. They seem to recognize the legitimacy of the United Nations Security (...)
Sudan’s NCP, an obstacle to peaceful co-existence 2012-05-20 01:30:00 By Jacob K. Lupai May 19, 2012 — Peaceful co-existence is what is expected of people the world over in promoting security. Nevertheless, how does peaceful co-existence come about? There are many (...)
On the African Union road map and UN resolution 2046 2012-05-20 01:00:00 By Gamal Adam My 18, 2012 — The African Union’s recent road map which the United Nations Security Council has endorsed with the Resolution 2046 includes a clause that puts pressure on the Sudan (...)
MORE