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Abyei - 10 Apr 2012

AJOC fears for Misseriya nomads in Abyei as tensions rise

The Co-Chair of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), Luka Biong Deng, is deeply concerned as tensions between Sudan and South Sudan rise over Misseriyan nomands entering South Sudan.

Biong Deng returned today from a field visit to Abyei to assess the humanitarian conditions of internally displaced people in Bahr el Ghazal area and Unity and Warab state. In addition, he discussed the issue of Arab nomads in the region with the native administrators of the area.

Biong Deng said he noticed a lot of frustration among the Abyei residents. He said the way the residents feel treatened by Khartoum will affect their attitude towards Arab nomads. He fears people from Abyei will conduct violent reprisals against the Arab nomads. 

He referred to laws made in North Bahr el Ghazal and Unity State to deal with the same issue. Bion Deng hopes these laws will be put into operation in Abye too.

The chair of AJOC calls on the United Nations to ensure the nomads entry Abyei without weapons.