The Government of South Sudan welcomed the temporary agreement signed between the SPLM and the Khartoum government yesterday in Addis Ababa to withdraw SAF and SPLA troops from Abyei and deploy Ethiopian peacekeepers.
GoSS spokesperson Barnaba Marial Benjamin told SCR News over the phone that his government was happy to see the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) leave the Abyei.He added that their withdrawal will allow the Dinka Ngok to return to their homes.
Dr. Marial said the Abyei residents whose property was burned and looted by SAF should be compensated.
The minister said his government would like to see the Abyei administration restored like it was before SAF invaded the area to ensure sustaining peace and limit clashes between the two armies.
Dr. Marial said that the agreement is a step forward to the referendum on self-determination for the residents of Abyei but not to the Misseriya nomads.
He dismissed reports that the SPLA was in Abyei.
Dr. Marial called upon the NCP to honour this agreement and allow peace reign between the two countries.