The United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) has welcomed efforts by the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities to find a peaceful resolution to the inter-communal violence that has threatened the peace and security in the southern part of the Abyei Box and northern Warrap State of South Sudan.
From 3 to 6 April, representatives from both communities including women and youth, leaders, and politicians participated in a peace conference in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State in South Sudan.
According to a UNISFA statement on Thursday, the communities agreed on the cessation of hostilities, unhindered movement along the roads including humanitarian assistance, and a return of the communities displaced as a result of the conflict as well as the removal of fighters not belonging to either community.
“The four-day meeting agreed to refer contentious issues to the Government of South Sudan. Leaders from neighboring communities who attended the meeting echoed calls for peaceful coexistence,” the statement read. “UNISFA congratulates both communities’ members and leaders, chiefs and paramount chiefs, politicians and MPs, women and youth representatives for having continued on the path towards peace, following last year’s meetings and engagements, and to have spent a week in dialogue together to discuss how to implement the “President’s Four Points”, that they have agreed on three points and referred, under the guidance of the Governor of Warrap and the Civil Administrator of Abyei, the fourth point of a “buffer zone” to the responsible authorities at the South Sudan national security level and Presidency.”
“UNISFA urges the two parties to adhere to the outcome of the meeting and to continue engaging constructively to resolve their differences,” the statement added.
UNISFA also stressed that any allegations that the Force is supporting one party in the conflict are unfounded.
“They are rooted in misinformation and disinformation, which can undermine the peace process. UNISFA remains impartial and is fully committed to the implementation of its mandate and shall continue to prioritize the Protection of Civilians (POC),” the statement said. “The Mission will, nevertheless, continue to support the peace process between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka, through engagement with the communities and political leaders.”
UNISFA said it supports the proposal from the Warrap State governor and the Chief Administrator of Abyei to establish a joint committee drawn from the two communities and peace partners (UNISFA and UNMISS) to meet with President Salva Kiir and the political and security leadership of South Sudan to convey the community ideas and concerns regarding the “buffer zones” as well as the peace partners’ inputs and hopes that such a meeting could be held soon, to capitalize on the current peace-making momentum.