The southern army welcomed the idea of bringing Ethiopian peacekeepers to Abyei to create a buffer zone between the two armies but it does not accept the military administration Khartoum appointed to Abyei.
Western diplomats and African leaders are pressing for the deployment of Ethiopian peacekeepers as a new strategy to resolve the Abyei crisis.SPLA spokesperson Phillip Aguer Panyang told SCR News that the deployment of foreign forces in the contested area of Abye must have a firm mandate to protect civilians.
He said UNMIS failed to protect civilians in 2008 and now from northern attacks.
Ethiopia is seen as a neutral player, trusted by both the Khartoum and Juba governments.
Mr. Aguer said the recent establishment of a military administration in Abyei is against the CPA.
He added that the North is repopulating Abyei with Misseriya people brought to the region by air.
Mr. Aguer said the military rulers are practicing ethnic cleansing against the Dinka Ngok by replacing the population of Abyei.
The contested status of Abyei has become one of the most worrisome issues facing the Sudan as it prepares to split into two within 37 days.