AJOC Seeks AU Support For UNISFA To Deter Settlement of Non Residents in Abyei
The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) is asking the African Union to empower the mandate of the United Nation Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to deter settlement of non-residents in Abyei. 13 February 2013 The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) Co- Chair Dr Luka Biong. [Gurtong| File] By Waakhe Simon Wudu JUBA, 13 February 2013 [Gurtong] - Dr. Luka Biong, the Chairman of the AJOC told the press that there are massive plans by Khartoum of settling non indigenous people in Abyei, a plan aimed at disrupting the referendum scheduled in October. “UNISFA has no mandate to deter anybody of coming to resettle in Abyei,” Dr. Luka said. “So what we are urging is for the AU to mandate the UNISFA to deter anybody coming to resettle in Abyei,” he said. The indigenous of Abyei are set for a referendum scheduled to take place in October this year so as to decide on their fate whether will remain as South Sudanese citizens or Sudanese. The agreement between South Sudan and Sudan to have the Abyei referendum be held on a resolution by the AU was reached through negotiations between the two governments. Dr. Luka also accused the UN Mission in Abyei of failing to facilitate assistance to the people of Abyei who just returned home months ago after displacement by the 2011 Khartoum incursion in the area. At least 50,000 people displaced during the conflicts in Abyei he said have returned home. However, there is a critical challenge of lack of basic needs rendering the returnees and the population there vulnerable. “Unfortunately the UN in Abyei is unable to assist the people of Abyei,” said Luka. “What we have observed with the UN is there is lack of decision and coordination.” Posted in: Home, Foreign Relations, Foreign Aid/Assistance -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.
