The untimely death of Ethiopia’s premier may have a negative effect on the post-independence negotiations between South Sudan and Sudan due to resume next week in Addis Ababa.
Abyei Joint Oversight Committee Co-chair, Luka Biong, voiced his concern Tuesday during a press conference in Juba.Dr Biong said Mr Zenawi had a passionate knowledge of the South Sudan-Sudan reality.
He added he was shocked by Mr Zenawi’s expertise about Abyei and the solution he proposed to the issue.
Dr Biong said if the parties do not negotiate a solution for Abyei until September 22, the African Union and the United Nations are forced to impose a binding resolution.
He said he believes the negotiating teams will reach a solution before the dead line because Sudan has received enough incentives from South Sudan to renew its commitment to a smoother relationship with its neighbour.