Brief 1 : tackling the political economy of conflict over Abyei
Date
2013-12
Authors
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Publisher
University for Peace Africa Programme, Addis Ababa, ET
Abstract
The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP)
has come up with a proposal to identify eligible voters in the Abyei
referendum which the Government of Sudan (GoS) and Humr Misseriya
have completely rejected because its implementation has the potential
to see the Abyei joining South Sudan. The situation has become more
complicated as the Ngok Dinka and Humr Misseriya continue to have
strong reciprocal relations with their respective governments. For
example, encouraging the Humr Misseriya to see Abyei as ‘their’ area
for grazing cattle and other development projects helps the GoS control
the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states from severe rebel threat. The
GoS has also encouraged the Humr Misseriya to settle in the northern
part of Abyei as a strategy to claim ownership of the oil resources.
The pursuit of such economic interests has driven conflict between
the governments of Sudan and South Sudan over ownership of Abyei
and has derailed the referendum on Abyei’s future status. To rectify the
situation, the two governments need to work for their mutual benefit
based on the agreed principles in the Abyei protocol and the AUHIP
proposal. Proceeding along these lines could lead to the building of
durable peace in Abyei and other contested areas across the border of
the two states.
Description
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Policy Brief
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Keywords
SUDAN--ABYEI, ABYEI PROTOCOL, GOVERNANCE, REFERENDUM, RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, TERRITORIAL CLAIMS, BORDERS, GRAZING LANDS, OIL FIELDS, ETHNIC AND RACIAL GROUPS, PEACEBUILDING, CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Citation
Gebrekidan, G.Z. (2013). Brief 1 : Tackling the Political Economy of Conflict over Abyei. UPEACE Africa Policy Series, 1(1): 11-17.