The African Union called on the occupying forces to immediately withdraw from Abyei and to restrain from any provocative actions.
The call comes after Saturday’s occupation of Abyei by the northern forces.In a press release, the AU Commission requested the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to continue facilitating the exercise of withdrawing illegal forces from Abyei.
It called on the NCP and SPLM to resume negotiations towards a political settlement of Abyei.
The statement noted that the heavy fighting come at a time of renewed hope towards a political settlement of the Abyei impasse, the resolution of all other CPA remaining issues and the conclusion of the post-referendum matters.
The AU reminded the parties of their common responsibility to protect the civilian population and to ensure their well-being.