The African Union condemned in strong terms the unilateral referendum organized by the Ngok Dinka community to determine the final status of Abyei.
AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma stressed that this unilateral act is unacceptable and irresponsible, violating the relevant decisions of the AU Peace and Security Council.
She added that the unilateral referendum can only heighten tension on the ground and further complicate the search for a mutually acceptable solution for Abyei.
In a statement issued on Monday, Dr Dlamini-Zuma called on the organizers of this illegal act to immediately halt their actions because they pose a threat to peace in the Abyei that could negatively affect the normalization of Sudan-South Sudan relations.
She acknowledged the rejection of the Government of South Sudan of any unilateral action in Abyei.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma called on the international community, including the United Nations, to condemn the ongoing unilateral and irresponsible action in Abyei.
The Chairperson also called for the expeditious implementation of June 20, 2011 agreement on temporary administrative and security arrangements for the Abyei.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma urged the Abyei community to exercise utmost restraint and cooperate with the UNISFA, the UN peacekeepers, to ensure the maintenance of peace and stability in the disputed region.