The Abyei Civil Society Organization (ACSO) convened a press conference on Wednesday to demand the withdrawal of the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF), the national army, from various locations in Abyei, including Ayuok and Aneet.
Miyen Ayuong, the Secretary for Information of ACSO, expressed concern about the recommendations outlined in the “Green Book” drafted by the Warrap State Council of Ministers. The draft proposes additional SSPDF forces to address security issues in the region, contradicting the Hague Agreement that designates Abyei under the control of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Ayuong emphasized that the purpose of the press conference is to oppose the anticipated escalation of the conflict between the Ngok Dinka in Abyei and the Twic community of Warrap State, which commenced on April 10, 2022. He attributed the prolonged duration of the conflict to the presence of SSPDF in the “Abyei Box.”
He further explained, “The suggestion of deploying additional SSPDF forces is outlined in the green book adopted by the Warrap State Council of Ministers. However, this proposal is in violation of the Hague Agreement, which prohibits the presence of external forces in the ‘Abyei Box.’ We are against the introduction of more forces, as even the current presence of SSPDF in Ayuok and Aneet areas has heightened insecurity.”
“This goes against UN Security Council Resolution No. 19/90, which designates Abyei as a buffer zone free from the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and Sudanese Armed Forces. The resolution mandates that the region be under the control of UN forces. The “Green Book” proposes the deployment of additional SSPDF forces along the South of River Kiir, violating the Hague Agreement. This not only heightens the conflict between the two communities but also entangles SSPDF forces in the communal strife,” he explained.
Ayuong emphasized that as the Abyei Civil Society Organization, their stance is to call on the SSPDF to respect the resolutions of the UN Security Council and withdraw forces from Aneet, Ayuok, and other areas south of the Kiir River. He suggested that the conflict between Abyei and Twic communities could cease if the SSPDF withdrew, leaving the area under the control of UNISFA in the “Abyei Box.”
The Information Secretary for ACSO pointed out that Abyei residents have confidence in UNISFA’s protection but harbor reservations about the command of Maj Gen Benjamin Sawyerr, the Ghanaian UNISFA commander in the Abyei area. Ayuong believes that a change in command could lead to better civilian protection in Abyei.
Bona Malual Akech, from the Warrap State Civil Society Alliance (WSCSA), views the actions taken by the Warrap state government as a positive step to maintain security between what he refers to as “one people of two administrations.” He commented on the “Green Book”, a draft passed by the Warrap State Council of Ministers (not yet approved by the Warrap State Legislative Assembly), stating that it suggests the withdrawal of UNISFA from Abyei and increased deployment of SSPDF along the Abyei-Twic borders, especially along the southern River Kiir. However, he clarified that this directive originates from President Kiir, aiming for the free movement of goods and people from Wau to Abyei and vice versa, and not from the state governor.
He added, “I don’t see a problem here if the intention is to create a peaceful environment between communities. By doing that, a buffer zone should be established to combat criminals from both sides who have been causing confusion among the conflicting communities. Once stability is achieved, people should return to the Hague Agreement, with UNISFA being responsible for the ‘Abyei Box.’”
According to Malual, the decision made by the Warrap State government is temporarily beneficial to eliminate criminals at the borders, preventing armed youth from Abyei and Twic from engaging in conflict. He highlighted the tragic death of the former Abyei Deputy Chief Administrator, attributing it to the absence of responsible forces along the borders. Malual sees no issue with having SSPDF assigned to control the area.
William Wol Mayom, the Warrap State Minister for Information, stated, “The “Green Book” is not yet implemented but awaits approval from the Warrap State Legislative Assembly. Abyei Civil Society Organizations should not rush into a draft that has not been passed into law. The border issue between Abyei and Twic is the responsibility of both governments – Abyei area and Warrap State. The “Green Book” is known by the Abyei Chief Administrator, and the directives come from President Kiir to deploy forces in the contested areas.”
Bulis Koch, the Abyei Special Administrative Area spokesperson, refuted claims that his government is part of the “Green Book” proposed by Warrap State for deploying additional SSPDF forces along the borders. He expressed frustration, saying, “This is the problem. I read on social media yesterday, Tuesday, and found that Abyei is part of the draft “Green Book”. Warrap State Governor Kuol Muor was recently sworn into office. How is it possible that he jointly drafted the “Green Book” with Abyei Chief Honourable Dr. Chol Deng Alaak? We don’t know this “Green Book”; we don’t know it.”
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