The UN has paved the way for historic talks between clashing tribes to bolster peace in Abyei.
Nearly five years after the signing of the peace agreement tensions persist in Abyei, home to the Missiriya and Dinka Ngok tribes.Over 2,000 people from both tribes attended the talks to accelerate reconciliation and to dispel tensions, such as the rumour that the Dinka intend to build a barrier to prevent the Missiriya from herding their cattle between pasture and water, UN News Agency reported.
Dinka NgokParamount, Amir Kwol Arop, told the conference that peaceful co-existence is not a matter of choice, but a prerequisite for the continued existence of the Dinka and Missiriya communities.
Mr. Kwol added that the Missiriya and the Dinka will always remain neighbors irrespective of the 2011 referendum results on self-determination.
A local source told SCR News that there were rumors circulating in Abyei that this year the SPLA would not allow the traditional movement of Misseriya cattle to the South for pasture during the dry season, creating tension between the two tribes.
The same source added that what the SPLA is demanding is that the Misseriya tribesmen are not allowed to carry weapons with them when they move South to control arms in civilians hands.