Abyei, Equatoria crises could derail census

UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SUDAN ( UNMIS)
Media Monitoring Report, 19 February 2008
(The Citizen)

Insecurity in parts of southern Sudan as the country prepares for the national census slated for April, has officials worried.

Martin Tako Moi (UDSF, Western Equatoria) said Monday that unfolding insecurity close to the border with Uganda and in Abyei could hamper the census. As he said this, armed tribe raiders, believed to be Mundari, invaded Banglo Payam in Mundari West County, ransacking the villages as they sought grazing land.

“You can no do a successful census without proper security on the ground,” said Moi. he added that the current state of insecurity in Abyei, where Meseriya are said to have blocked north-south Communication route, is likely to discourage southern Sudanese in the North from returning home for census.

He urged all the internally displaced persons and refugees from neighbouring countries to return home before the census. he said implementation of Abyei protocol as stipulated in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is the way forward.

Martin Tako Moi called on all Southerners to remain united irrespective of tribal and political affiliation.

The Nuba Mountains Homepage was made by Nanne op 't Ende.
You can contact me here.