Two traditional leaders’ consultative conferences, organized separately for the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA)’s Community Liaison Office concluded this week.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj Wednesday, UNISFA said the objective of the conferences held in Diffra and Abyei on 13- 14 and on 18 – 19 October 2021 respectively, was to provide a platform for dialogue towards building a more peaceful Abyei Area.
It further noted that a joint conference for the traditional leaders of the two communities, aimed at generating concrete solutions to guarantee peace and security for Abyei communities is scheduled to take place soon.
"The conferences in Diffra and Abyei were officially opened by the UNISFA Police Commissioner, Ms. Violet Nasambu Lusala, on behalf of the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Kefyalew Amde Tessema, who stated that the three-pronged approach adopted this year is meant to forge a solid consensus within each community before reaching out to the other, with a strong commitment to agree on what is required to co-exist peacefully. In fact, the Acting Head of Mission urged the traditional leaders to consider mainly matters that are relevant to their shared day-to-day life in the Abyei Area," the statement reads in part.
Ms. Violet was also quoted as saying that Gen. Tessema urged the traditional leaders to come up with good decisions and recommendations that would further strengthen co-existence and enhance the Abyei peace process, stressing that UNISFA would continue to play its part by implementing its mandate.