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ABYEI - 17 Oct 2012

Biong: Abyei referendum to be held next year

Dr. Luka Biong, the chairman of the Abyei Oversight Committee (AJOC) and a member of the negotiating committee on behalf of South Sudan in Addis Ababa, arrived to Abyei on Monday to enlighten the people of Abyei on the agreement signed recently between Sudan and South Sudan and to inform the people of Abyei about the upcoming referendum.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Biong said “The objective of the visit is to enlighten people about the cooperation deal which was signed by presidents Bashir and Salva Kiir late September this year 2012.” He also added that the visit was important to give clue about Abyei referendum and open on it continuous discussion with the local population.

The AJOC chairman revealed that the Abyei referendum committee will be formed by August 2013 and that 30% of Abyei oil revenues shall be allocated to the committee.

In addition to this, Biong disclosed that 20% will be allocated to Abyei people and 50% to the two presidencies of Sudan and South Sudan respectively.

Despite signing and endorsement of the cooperation agreement at all government levels in South Sudan, citizens of several parts of the border region expressed discontent at the deal whether in its provisions or omissions. Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal citizens in Juba staged a peaceful precession on Monday to indicate their refusal to include ‘Mile 14’ as a demilitarized buffer zone between Sudan and South Sudan.

Hundreds of demonstrators were also joined by some citizens from Heglig also called Panthou.

Click desciption below to download full audio (not the play button).

Full interview Dr. Luka Biong on politics of Abyei, 17 Oct 2012 (in Arabic).mp3
Full interview (in Arabic): Dr. Luka Biong Deng on politics of Abyei, 17 Oct. 2012