Ngok Dinka officials of the disputed Abyei Area who in 2013 voted in favor of joining South Sudan have welcomed the signed deal between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar.

The deal calls on both parties to cease fire and form an interim government to end the deadly violence. It does not address issues directly relevant to the Abyei area, but presumably would help bring peace to the neighboring states Warrap and Unity, if implemented.

A number of prominent Abyei politicians have opposed Kiir since prior to the crisis – such as Deng Alor, who was jailed for about a month during the strart of the crisis – while others including Police Inspector General Pieng Deng Kuol remained part of Kiir’s government.

In an audio communiqué, the temporary parliament for the Abyei Area blessed the agreement signed between government and anti-government forces on behalf of the people of South Sudan.

The communiqué explains that the people of Abyei have been mourning the death of many soldiers and civilians since the start of the violence. The parliament condemns the use violence as a means to ascend to power.

“The Abyei parliament as a representative of the people of Abyei calls for maintenance of the agreement, and adopting of peaceful means and democracy as means of ascending power,” says the parliament.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, Aduol Nyuol Mayuat the head of Abyei parliament, reaffirmed their support to the agreement signed between the government and anti-government forces saying that it paves the way forward for peace in the country.

“We supported the preliminary agreement between the President of the Republic of South Sudan 1^st. Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and Riek Machar. We support this agreement because it is a step towards a lasting peace,” remarked Aduol.