SPLM-IO rejects Francis Deng’s proposal for Abyei self-rule

JUBA – South Sudan’s main opposition group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO), has rejected a proposal to grant self-rule to the disputed Abyei region, intensifying the debate over the area’s political future.

The proposal, presented by Francis Mading, South Sudan’s former ambassador to the United Nations, calls for Abyei to be granted autonomy, arguing that it would promote peace and stability in the region and benefit both South Sudan and Sudan.

Mading suggested that an autonomous Abyei would contribute to regional security and foster cooperation between the two countries.

“Abyei’s future lies within South Sudan, and the Ngok Dinka community does not speak for the government of South Sudan,” Mading said. “They hope to reinforce South Sudan’s efforts to secure peace and stability for the Ngok Dinka people. All regional and international stakeholders should therefore cooperate to reinforce this vision.”

However, the SPLM-IO, led by First Vice President Riek Machar, has voiced strong opposition to the plan, reaffirming its commitment to Abyei’s integration into South Sudan. The SPLM-IO cited the 2013 referendum in which the Abyei community overwhelmingly voted to join South Sudan as the basis for its position.

“The purpose of this position paper is to reaffirm our solid stance as SPLM-IO Leadership in Abyei Area, supporting the aspirations of its people,” said Nyenagwek Kuol, a senior SPLM-IO member. “We are rejecting the recent proposal of self-rule presented by Dr. Francis Mading Deng on October 30th, 2024.”

The SPLM-IO’s rejection of the proposal follows a similar stance taken by other Abyei leaders, who serve in government positions within South Sudan’s transitional administration.

These leaders have described Mading’s proposal as divisive and not reflective of the true desires of the Ngok Dinka people.

“We support and agree with the position paper released by constitutional holders, civil society groups, and traditional leaders in Abyei, which was issued on November 12th, 2024,” the SPLM-IO statement said.

“The Abyei people’s vision for their future is clear: Abyei’s future lies within South Sudan.”

The SPLM-IO also criticized Mading’s proposal as politically motivated, accusing him of aligning with Sudan’s interests. They stressed that Abyei’s future is firmly tied to South Sudan and rejected any plans that seek to separate it from the country.

“We reject Dr. Francis Mading Deng’s self-rule proposal and any agenda that seeks to carve Abyei out of South Sudan,” the group said.

“The people of Abyei are united in their determination to remain an integral part of South Sudan, and their future will be shaped by their continued commitment to the final status of the area.”

The SPLM-IO’s statement also called for the full participation of all parties to the revitalized peace agreement in Abyei’s governance, including the implementation of wealth-sharing agreements related to the region’s oil revenues, as outlined in the Abyei Protocol.

“The share of the Republic of South Sudan, along with the Ngok Dinka, Messeriyah, Warrap state, and Southern Kordofan state, must be paid in full from July 9^th, 2011 to the present,” they concluded.