Sudanese army declares end to military operations in Abyei
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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.
JPEG - 35.7 kb
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)
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