African Union commits to peace efforts in Abyei

African Union commits to peace efforts in Abyei
Qasim Akinreti, Lagos

The African Union  has expressed its commitment to peace in Abyei, following the meeting between the Sudanese Presidency, in Khartoum and the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), led by former South African President, Thabo Mbeki.

In demonstrating this resolve, the AU  has  consulted the parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and considering proposals with a view to resolving the Abyei impasse.

The Panel will be returning to Sudan in early April to pursue these discussions.

Based on consultations with the parties, the presentation of the proposal will take place at a time to be agreed to with the Presidency.

Meanwhile, the Panel confirmed that both President Omar Hassan al Bashir and First Vice President, Salva Kiir, agreed on the security arrangement for Abyei, based on the Joint Integrated Units and Joint Integrated Police Units, to be implemented immediately.

In addition, the Panel will be convening delegations from the two Parties for a Special Session on Post-Referendum Security Arrangements, on April 2, 2011, in Ethiopia.

PR/Williams