By Ngor Deng Matem
The leaders of Abyei region and Warrap state have signed the cessation of hostilities Agreement between Abyei and Twic County.
The accord was signed yesterday (Tuesday) in Aweil town facilitated by the fact finding committee set up in March 2022 by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and both parties have agreed to stop the fighting, allow the IDPs to return, identify the suspected criminals, suspending the operations in Aneet and others.
In the document, it is also agreed that security forces shall take care of the Aneet area to allow dialogue and peace to take place and the agreement was signed by the traditional chiefs’ representatives of Abyei and Twic. The chiefs include Deng Mayen Deng of Twic county and Bulabek Deng Kuol on behalf of Abyei.
Commissioners of Twic Honourable Deng Tong Goc and Rummar county commissioner of Abyei Chol Kur Chol also signed the deal.
Other signatories were Governor of Warrap state Aleu Ayieny Aleu and Chief Administrator of Abyei Kuol Diem Kuol. The agreement was witnessed by the members of the committee mediating the dialogue.
Speaking after the signing, Governor Aleu appreciated President Salva Kiir for the quick decision taken to form the investigation committee meanwhile the Abyei Chief Administrator Kuol Diem expressed commitment to the full implementation of the peace agreement on cessation of hostilities.
For his part, Vice President for Service Cluster Hussein Abdelbagi who is the Head of investigation committee said “the cessation of hostilities will pave the way for reconciliation and return of the internally displaced persons to their homes”.
On 10 February 2022, violence broke out in the Aneet area leaving many people dead, wounded and thousands others displaced.
The Aneet and Abyei business centres were set on fire. In addition, the Secretary of investigation committee Honorable Dhieu Mathok Diing stated that the signed document shall be presented to the President of South Sudan.
“After the report is presented to the President, the report shall return to the two parties especially the chiefs of Ngok Dinka Abyei administrative area and Twic County and therefore the parties will discuss the root cause of the fighting to find the solution based on the grievances and real issues as identified by the investigation committee,” Dr. Dhieu emphasized.