A number of Abyei civilians in the town of Abu Zabad, South Kordofan, expressed their joy at the report of a coming agreement on ‘four freedoms’ between Sudan and South Sudan.

The agreement was discussed and finalised in Addis Ababa earlier this week, though it has yet to be signed. It would allow nationals of both countries to enjoy freedom of residence, freedom of movement, freedom to undertake economic activity, and freedom to acquire and dispose property.

A primary school teacher in the city of Abu Zabad, Akot Akot, told Radio Tamazuj that they welcome the implementation to the four freedoms agreement which was announced by the African Mediator last week in Addis Ababa.

Akot expressed his hope that the agreement would enhance communications between communities, asserting that there were eleven large families from Abyei in Abu Zabad.

Akot also expressed his hope that Sudan and South Sudan reach an agreement on the Abyei Protocol for them to be able to determine their status.