Abyei’s army defectors rejoin South Sudanese military
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February 3, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army soldiers who defected to
join the Sudan People’s Liberation-North (SPLM-N) rebels last week in
protest over the alleged failure to resolve the status of the disputed
region of Abyei have returned to their places after the community
intervened, authorities and military officers in the disputed area
confirmed.
JPEG - 15.5 kb
Soldiers on patrol in the contested area of Abyei, which is claimed by
both Sudan and South Sudan (Photo: Reuters)
The army’s deputy chief of general staff for operations, Lt. Gen.
James Ajonga Mawut said he had verbally been informed that the group
returned.
“I have no official information about the decision regarding what you
are talking about [military defection in Abyei area]. I just heard
they have changed their minds, which is good for them and the people
of Abyei”, he told Sudan Tribune Wednesday.
The chief administrator of the disputed area, Chol Deng Alaak, said he
was not aware of any rebellion in the area, declining to discuss
military matters.
It emerged last week that a group of over 1,500 soldiers and officers
announced had switched allegiance from the South Sudanese military in
protest of the way the leadership of South Sudan, under President
Salva Kiir was handling the matter of the area, which remains a
contested area between Sudan and South Sudan following the latter’s
secession in 2011.
The region of Abyei was supposed to hold a referendum at the same time
when South Sudan held its self-determination referendum, but
differences over who was eligible to vote at the referendum
contributed to the postponement of the vote, prompting members of the
nine Ngok Dinka chiefdoms to unilaterally conduct in October 2013, a
community referendum whose result was not accepted by Sudan and South
Sudan.
Major Ayuel Kiir, one of the officers who defected, confirmed in a
separate interview on Wednesday that he and his group were persuaded
by community members to abandon rebellion and rejoin the army in the
area.
“I am now speaking to you in Agok. We are all fine. No problem. That
issue which you heard has been taken over by the community leadership
and decided that the issue of Abyei will be pursued through peaceful
means,” said Kiir.
He added, “They said the issue of Abyei is no longer an issue between
the two countries. It is now an international matter. So we accepted
and returned home”.
(ST)
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3 February 22:45, by Lotodo Awino Odug
Was this a stunt for trying to achieve what? has anybody already
paid you for your 7 days rebellion?
repondre message
3 February 23:00, by lino
Haha! He may have been trying to test the water brother!!! Very smart.
repondre message
4 February 02:30, by Ayuiu Makuac Lam
Come back to your mother unit.
repondre message
4 February 00:41, by Gabriel KK
I Salute these soldiers for their wise decision and I am appealing
to military commands to forgive them. Peace is development and war is
destruction, lets embrace the spirit of forgiveness and patriotism
through compromise.
repondre message
4 February 05:58, by Kenyang
Welcome move! It took 50 years of bloodshed to achieve South
Sudan. No one should doubt persistent of South Sudanese. Abyei and her
natural South Sudanese are not and will never be part of Sudan.
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