South Sudanese political forces and civil society organisations apparently support the people of Abyei with respect to the referendum scheduled to take place in October.

The referendum is considered a “stumbling block” by observers of the Sudan- South Sudan relations.

In a conference held two days ago in the ‘Nyakuron Cultural Center’ in Juba, South Sudanese politicians, including members of the opposition SPLM-DC party, and representatives of the Abyei High National Committee, have stressed that the Abyei referendum should be held on time, without any delay.

The representatives of the South Sudan’s political spectrum demanded from the AU to set an exact date for the Abyei referendum. They also reported that they will respect and support any decision that will be taken by the Ngok Dinka in case Juba and Khartoum fail to reach an agreement on Abyei. The participants recognized the right of the nomadic tribes to use Abyei’s grazing lands: “Any result of the Abyei referendum does not mean preventing the Misseriya to graze their cattle in South Sudan territory,” they stated.

An assessment and registration process for the displaced of Abyei residing in Northern Bahr El Ghazal state has reportedly been carried out by the Abyei High National Committee so as to facilitate repatriation to their respective villages to attend the upcoming referendum.

The Deputy Chairman of the Voluntarily Repatriation Committee for the People of Abyei, Marko Mayuen, told Radio Tamazuj that the registration has already began, in full coordination with the National Committee. “I’m expecting their transportation to kick off on 27 September in preparation for the referendum in October, in accordance to the proposal of Thabo Mbeki, the incumbent chairman of the African Union High Implementation Panel,” Mayuen said.  

The National Committee is organising a march in Juba on Friday, calling for the Abyei referendum to take place in October. The march will set off from the Dr John Garang mausoleum.

A similar march already took place in Annet town in the area of Abyei, calling for implementation of the referendum at the appointed time.

Related coverage:

Public hearing organised on upcoming Abyei referendum (5 August 2013)

Misseriya leader warns against ‘unilateral’ Abyei referendum (29 July 2013)

Khartoum must comply with AU proposal for Abyei referendum: Ukec (7 June 2013)