The South Sudan army has announced its complete withdrawal from Abyei in accord with signed agreements.
SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer Panyiang told Bakhita Radio that South Sudanese troops started implementing the Status of Forces in Abyei Agreement by withdrawing from Manyang and Mulual Aleu areas to north of Agok in South Sudan.He added that the SPLA also have moved its remaining forces from Majang Kong into South Sudan on October 7, concluding the pullout process.
Col. Aguer explained that the Abyei Police should not be considered SPLA forces since the Abyei Protocol granted the area to have some police to keep internal security.
He accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of dishonouring the agreement and refusing to withdraw from Abyei areas.
Col. Aguer revealed that the SPLA has asked the UN Security Council and the international community to press the Sudanese forces to leave Abyei.
The Abyei issue is one of the pressing post independent problems that both south Sudan and Sudan need to agree upon.