28 May 2011
SOUTH Sudan President Salva Kiir has ruled out war over the disputed Abyei region. Kiir has acted maturely and North Sudan’s President Omar Bashir should reciprocate him.
His pronouncement comes after troops from North Sudan invaded the contested region with tanks. The invaders have taken control of Abyei, displacing thousands of residents. Abyei is, of course, a very sensitive matter as the Sudan splits between the north and south in July.
The region is home to the Dinka Ngok while the Messiria from the north seasonally have their cattle graze there. Abyei has been administered by both North and South Sudan at various times without any conflict. But trouble started when oil was discovered and President Gaafar Nimeiry arbitrarily signed a decree transferring it to the north.
Under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Abyei was given autonomous status and was due to hold a referendum on whether it should belong to the north or south. While the rest of South Sudan voted for independence, the referendum in Abyei was delayed, partly to avert violence.
It has still not been agreed who should vote when such the referendum takes place. While the south believes only the indigenous Dinka Ngok should vote, the north argues that even the Messiria should.
The south is rightly suspicious, and thinks the north will ferry some non-residents to take part in the vote. That issue will one day be settled. What is important now is to maintain the peace and let the south attain its independence in July as expected.
Kiir’s decision for a peaceful settlement now – and in the future – is wise. Violence will not bring peace to Abyei, South Sudan or even the North. While the people of Abyei have a right to self-determination, violence is not the right option. That is why Bashir must emulate Kiir’s maturity and choose peace.
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Bashir Emulate Kiir, Choose Peace