Sudan Rejects South Sudan’s Decision to Include Abyei in Electoral Constituencies, Calling It a Breach of Existing Agreements

Map of Abyei Area (Wikipedia)

The Sudanese government on Monday firmly rejected South Sudan’s decision to include the Abyei Administrative Area among the geographical constituencies designated for the country’s general elections, scheduled for December 22.

South Sudan’s National Elections Commission announced the adoption of 102 geographical constituencies for the elections, including 12 constituencies in Warrap State, one of which covers the Abyei Administrative Area.

In a statement, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said it rejects the commission’s decision, arguing that it explicitly violates the Abyei Protocol annexed to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), as well as the 2011 Agreement on Temporary Administrative and Security Arrangements for the Abyei Area signed by Sudan and South Sudan.

The ministry noted that the 2011 agreement paved the way for United Nations Security Council Resolution 2046 (2012), which calls on both countries to negotiate, without preconditions, to reach a final settlement on Abyei’s status.

The Sudanese government emphasized that these protocols and agreements constitute the fundamental legal framework governing relations between the two countries on all matters related to Abyei, adding that Sudan has consistently remained committed to these legal reference points.

Khartoum called on South Sudan to honor all legal obligations under the signed agreements and to remain committed to reaching a peaceful, final resolution of the Abyei issue in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and preserves regional peace and security.

The government also urged the United Nations, regional and international organizations, and the friendly and partner countries that sponsored the Abyei agreements to support the implementation of the existing accords and reject any unilateral actions taken outside the agreed legal framework.

The statement concluded by reaffirming Sudan’s commitment to maintaining good-neighborly relations while underscoring its determination to uphold its legal rights as established under the relevant protocols and bilateral agreements.

Source: https://sudanhorizon.com/sudan-rejects-south-sudans-decision-to-include-abyei-in-electoral-constituencies-calling-it-a-breach-of-existing-agreements/