A one-week Abyei Peace Process Corridors Conference, under the theme, “Peaceful grazing, farming and stronger intercommunity relations and economic prosperity”, officially opened in Noong village, 14 km West of Abyei town on Tuesday.
The conference is organized by Abyei peace partners comprising of UNISFA, FAO, Concordis International and IOM and was opened by the Deputy Force Commander and OiC Ag. Head of Mission/Force Commander Brig. Gen. Abu Syed Mohammod Bakir.
Addressing the participants, Gen. Bakir reminded that Noong has a special resonance in the Abyei peace process because the Amiet market, today the biggest in Abyei Area, has its origin from Noong Conference in 2016.
He noted that the present conference in Noon reaffirms the peace partners’ commitment to dialogue, reconciliation and, dedication to the cause of peace in Abyei. General Bakir counselled that conflict resolution and transformation take time as peace is a long, arduous process filled with obstacles, but they must persevere, stressing that UNISFA will continue to work with partners to support the cause of peace.
He also asserted that sitting and sharing views is an excellent way of building trust and confidence and admonished them to continue to talk and never be tired.
“Talking to each other, listening, and recognizing the concerns and values of each other, sharing a meal, a smile and discussing the past together are important icebreakers in themselves and make the search for solution easier,” he said.
He added, “Our achievements over the past few months are note-worthy indicators of where we can be when we work together.”
In March 2023, Misseriya and Ngok Dinka held a peace conference in the Todach area where the two communities promised, with support from UNISFA, FAO, Concordis and IOM, to continue the dialogue, revitalization of all peace committees and attend workshops and training.
Oil-rich Abyei has been contested since South Sudan gained independence in July 2011. Sudan and South Sudan are yet to agree on the mapping of the border.
UNISFA was deployed in June 2011 to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence and protect the area from incursions by armed groups.