NCP has taken Abyei hostage”, H.E. Amum

JUBA – The minister for Peace and CPA Implementation in the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), H.E. Pa’gan Amum, today explained that the National Congress Party (NCP) “has taken Abyei hostage” but emphasized that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) is negotiating its release and is ready to “pay the ransom”.

H.E. Amum asserted Abyei belongs to the Dinka Ngok who are indigenous Southern Sudanese transferred to Kordofan in 1905. He explained that the role of the Abyei referendum is to provide a platform for the Dinka Ngok to decide whether to come back to their roots or remain where they had been transferred.

He explained that the migratory Misseriya have no right to participate in the Abyei referendum. He, however, clarified that other “guests” such as the Northern communities, who relocated to the area in 1956 and have been residing there permanently since, will be invited to participate. The same right will also be extended to other Southern Sudanese who are residing in the area permanently.

H.E. Amum explained that the NCP is unreasonably clinging onto Abyei because all reports commissioned by both CPA parties as well as the ruling of the International Court of Arbitration back the position of the SPLM. He said that all these processes had been agreed to beforehand by both parties which also committed themselves to accept the results thereof as final as binding. However, the NCP has been consistently reneging on these commitments. He said that the SPLM has agreed to participate in the negotiation process on the issue for the sake of peace and tranquil coexistence.

Significantly, H.E. Amum also announced that if the negotiations succeed and there be no time for conducting a referendum, then the Presidency may transfer Abyei to Southern Sudan through an appropriate Presidential Decree. Thus, he said, the borders and map of Southern Sudan would change to reflect the new development.

H.E. Amum made these remarks when he addressed the weekly Media Forum organized by the GOSS Ministry of Information. He was hosted by his colleague, H.E. Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, the GOSS minister for Information.

Source: http://www.gossmission.org/goss/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1128&Itemid=1