‘Reconstitute’ Abyei final status committee to include SPLM-IO, Kiir told

JUBA – A South Sudanese academic is urging President Salva Kiir Mayardit to reconstitute the committee on the final status of the disputed region of Abyei to include opposition groups such as the main armed opposition SPLM-IO led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny and other neighboring communities.

In May this year, President Kiir issued a Republican Decree forming a 10-member high-level committee to begin steps towards the determination of the final status of the disputed region of Abyei.

The committee is led by Kiir’s security advisor Tut Gatluak and other committee members include Assa Abas Akuei, Dr. Luka Monoja, Deng Biong Mijak, Majur Babur Ajang, James Deng Lual and Kom Kom Geng.

Kiir tasked the committee to “negotiate with the Sudanese government in the spirit of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)” in a step the government hopes will lead towards an amicable solution for the final status of the disputed enclave.

However, Dr. Luka Biong says there is need for President Salva Kiir to reconstitute the committee to include other stakeholders such as opposition groups and neighboring communities to Abyei region.

“Sudan appointed its committee for the final status of Abyei in response to the committee appointed by President Salva. Comparing the membership of the two committees, there is a need to reconstitute the committee of South Sudan,” he said.

“While maintaining its leadership, there is a need to make the representation of Ngok Dinka to reflect their diversity. Also ministries like justice, foreign affairs, interior and petroleum to be included. Other neighboring communities to be considered. Opposition parties, particularly SPLM-IO to be represented,” he added.

“He further stressed that the “Civil society representatives need to be considered.”