The African Union has intensified efforts towards the rapid resolution of the Abyei crisis by closely following the unfolding situation in the region.
AU chief Jean Ping said today in a statement that he was gravely concerned by the conflict in Abyei and its humanitarian consequences.He expressed concern over reports of displacement of residents and looting of Abyei town, and called upon the authorities to protect the civilian population.
The statement said Thabo Mbeki who heads the AU Panel for Sudan met with President Omar al-Bashir on Sunday in Khartoum.
Yesterday, he was in Juba for conversations with GoSS president Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Both presidents reaffirmed their willingness to work out modalities for the withdrawal of all the unauthorized forces from the Abyei area.
Mr. Al-Bashir and Mr. Kiir also pledged to establish appropriate security and administrative mechanisms to guarantee peace and security for the residents of Abyei.