Abyei to vote on choice of Sudan

JUBA, South Sudan: Residents in the disputed border region of Abyei jubilated on the eve of the upcoming referendum in which they will choose between Sudan and South Sudan, a local leader said Saturday, despite concern the exercise could spark violence.
Abyei’s Ngok Dinka people have been “singing and dancing” ahead of the “people’s referendum” on Sunday, according to Luka Biong, spokesman for a civic group that is organizing the vote. The Sudan-allied Misseriya nomads, who come to Abyei to find pasture for their cattle, will not be allowed to participate, he added.
Both Sudan and South Sudan claim ownership of Abyei, whose status was unresolved after South Sudan became independent from its northern neighbor in 2011. The region’s majority Ngok Dinka people are believed to be in favor of joining South Sudan.
“People are in a celebratory mood here. Last night they were singing and dancing as they wait for Sunday to cast their vote,” said Biong, spokesman for the Abyei Referendum High Committee, which has been mobilizing people for the referendum.
Up to 100,000 people are expected to participate in the vote despite repeated warnings that such an event might trigger violence in the border region, said Biong. A local commission that will supervise the vote is expected to announce results on Oct. 31, he said, insisting the exercise would proceed without the official involvement of Sudan or South Sudan.
The African Union has warned against holding a referendum, saying such action could increase the risk of violence between the Ngok Dinka and the Misseriya. The Misseriya have warned that a referendum in which they are not participants cannot take place.