Dinka Ngok leaders demand recognition of Abyei referendum

Leaders of the Dinka Ngok tribe in the disputed area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan have called on the government of South Sudan, regional and international community to recognize the result of the unilateral community referendum that was conducted in the area in October 2013.

Leaders of the Dinka Ngok tribe in the disputed area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan have called on the government of South Sudan, regional and international community to recognize the result of the unilateral community referendum that was conducted in the area in October 2013.

This appeal came as the people of the area were celebrating the third anniversary of the referendum, which was rejected by the Misseriya tribe.

“The government of South Sudan is the first one that should recognize the referendum and then the regional and international community. South Sudan currently is facing a critical time and in light of this we as Dinka Ngok community are concerned about the issue of South Sudan as much as we concerned about Abyei issue because we are part and parcel of South Sudan,” said Deng Bulabek, paramount chief of Dinka Ngok.

The government of South Sudan has not recognized the result of the referendum until now. The event was witnessed by local official from the neighboring areas to Abyei.