VP Hussein, UNISFA discuss security in Abyei

JUBA — South Sudan’s Vice President for services cluster, Hussein Abdelbagi Akol on Thursday held talks with the force commander and acting chief of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Major General, Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer.

The talks centered on the need to enhance the protection of the civilians and to ensure no armed personnel carries weapons in to Abyei region.

Akol commended UNISFA for maintaining order and providing security.

Olufemi said UNISFA is committed to work with all the parties in Abyei.

“General Sawyer, however, decried the deteriorating security situation in the Abyei Area since the beginning of February and assured the people that the mission will ensure there are no security gaps despite the troop withdrawal and reconfiguration of the mission,” UNISFA said in a statement.

Olufemi, according to a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Friday, stressed the need to promote dialogue between the two communities and avoid activities that will upset peace and security in the disputed area.

“He [Olufemi] encouraged them to accept the establishment of Community Protection Committees [CPC] and the activation of the early warning system (EWS),” it further stressed.

The UNISFA force commander also met and exchanged views with the Misseriya traditional and community leaders led by paramount chief Muktar. The leaders called for more development in northern Abyei and underscored the importance of complying with the June 2011 agreement between Sudan and Southern Sudan as the only legitimate agreement on Abyei.

“In Todach, General Sawyerr met with representatives of the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka traders operating in the Amiet Market. He charged them to live in peace with one another and avoid conflicts, stressing that as traders, they needed a peaceful environment to carry out their business activities without interruption,” the statement said.

Also present at the meeting were the deputy UNISFA force commander, Brig. Gen Syed Mohammod Abu Bakir, UNISFA Police Commissioner Violet Nasambu Lusala and the Mission’s Chief of Staff, Alexander Rose.