South Sudan’s political parties, including the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), announced their recognition of the outcome of the Abyei referendum. The announcement was made on Thursday in Juba.

The referendum was conducted unilaterally in October by the Dinka Ngok chiefdoms to decide whether Abyei would remain part of Sudan or to become part of South Sudan. The Misseriya, who historically stay in the region every year for six months, were excluded from voting.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, the Secretary-General of the United Democratic Front party (UDF) David William declared President Salva Kiir “didn't say he would not recognise the outcome of the referendum”. 

“He is the one who granted paid leave for Abyei natives to vote in the referendum. So, for its part, the government will diplomatically lobby for its recognition.”

The SPLM Syndicated Organisations Secretary, Achuil Malek, commended the restoration of Abyei area “by its sons and daughters in a referendum.” He stressed Abyei is a South Sudanese territory.

Malek called upon the international community and the African Union to recognise the voting.