Abyei natives have welcomed the UN Security Council (UNSC) decision extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Forces in Abyei (UNISFA) until 15 October 2014.

In interviews with Radio Tamazuj yesterday, several local citizens from the contested region of Abyei expressed happiness about the decision, saying it will contribute positively to the stability in the area, given that there are still no administrative structures or institutions in the area.

They called on UNISFA to carry out their mandate to protect the civilians, while some people criticized the decision because they were not consulted on the matter.

For its part, the Sudanese government also called for the establishment of administrative and security mechanisms in Abyei, warning against any attempt to seek other solutions that will destabilize the disputed area.

The deputy charge d'affaires of the Sudanese diplomatic mission at the United Nations on Tuesday hailed the decision taken by the UNSC and called on the government in Juba cooperate with them so that they establish a joint interim administration, legislative assembly and a joint police force in Abyei.

File photo: UNISFA Forces