The African Union or AU expressed deep disappointment and regret that its delegation was unable to visit Abyei as planned on Saturday.
AU’s Peace and Security Council of the African Union said on Saturday that due to Sudan’s insistence the visit be postponed for security reasons.
The Council considered Sudan’s attitude to be an obstruction to discharge its duties and responsibilities.
It demanded that ‘Sudan must refrain from obstructing its work and extend full cooperation in support of the AU’s efforts to manage and resolve the situation in Abyei.’
The Peace and Security Council revealed that its visit to Abyei aimed to defuse tension on the ground, including averting any unilateral actions and creating a conducive environment for the peaceful resolution of the final status of Abyei.
It reiterated deep concern at the prevailing situation in Abyei, stressing the need for active and continued African involvement in support of the efforts.
The AU body urged South Sudan to continue to demonstrate utmost restraint, and appealed to the Ngok Dinka community to refrain from any unilateral actions in Abyei.
Sudan denied it obstructed the planned AU visit to Abyei.