Workers at IMDAD Total Site Services, a Jordan-based company contracted by UNISFA to provide camp management services, have gone on strike over pay in Abyei.
Ayak Deng, one of the striking workers, told Radio Tamazuj that they downed their tools following a dispute over remuneration and wages.
Ayak, who is the financial secretary of IMDAD Company, said there was a lack of transparency surrounding contracts. She pointed out that their strike started since last week.
Spokesperson for the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) Daniel Adekera confirmed the strike.
Adekera told Radio Tamazuj in response to questions on Tuesday that the demonstrators have blocked UNISFA headquarters entry gates by erecting tents at the main gate.
The striking workers, according to Adekera, were threatening UNISFA and UN AFPs national staff and preventing entry to UNISFA headquarters as well as blockade of UNISFA contractors from entering or leaving UNISFA headquarters.
Adekera noted that the senior management of UNISFA has engaged the relevant authorities to find a lasting solution to the impasse.
“UNISFA senior management has engaged the demonstrators: Abyei Administration: Ngok Paramount Chief; Ngok Dinka chiefs as well as IMDAD and IMDAD staff Union with the view to finding a lasting solution to the impasse,” he said.
The UN mission further said it considers any attempt to impede movement of civilians and UN personnel within Abyei Box as attempt to obstruct its efforts to conduct its routine operations and implement its mandate to protect the Abyei box and civilians.
Keilek Kon, Abyei Area’s Security Adviser said they were aware of the strike staged by employees of the company. The government official pointed out that they have engaged all parties involved in an attempt to find a solution to the impasse.