Thousands of Eastern Equatoria state residents yesterday poured into the streets of Torit singing revolution songs and chanting slogans in protest against the invasion of Abyei area by Sudan Armed Forces.
Government offices and schools closed down as pupils, students and civil servants marched into Torit Freedom Square to show their solidarity with the people of Abyei area.Deputy governor Nartiso Manir Loluke said it was necessary for the people of Eastern Equatoria state, especially the children, to identify with their people of Abyei.
He said that the attack was a violation of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and a deliberate act meant to undermine the people of Southern Sudan
Mr. Loluke said the attacks were aimed at bringing South Sudan into war and divert the attention of the people from achieving their independence.
State SPLM vice chairman Felix Okanye Remidjo condemned the attack on Abyei saying the party is in solidarity with the people.
Mr. Okanye stated that the people of Abyei participated with the South in Anyanya One war and other wars in struggle for freedom.
Ministers, MPs and even school children held several placards which read “Stop genocide in Abyei, Omer should Face ICC, NCP stop committing political adultery, Call for peaceful negotiations over Abyei dispute, The crisis in Abyei is war crime, Yes for peace in Abyei, and Grabbing Abyei from the South is a rape case.”