The Commission of the African Union Expresses Grave Concern Over the Situation in Abyei

The AU extends its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The AU Commission notes that the recent violence occurred in the context of a failure to implement the Kadugli Agreement on security in Abyei. It calls upon the Parties immediately to implement, fully and without any delay, all the provisions of that agreement, including withdrawing any additional unauthorized armed forces from Abyei.

At this critical juncture, the AU calls upon the two Parties to desist from taking any unilateral actions, concerning either security in Abyei or the political future of Abyei Area.

The African Union High Level Implementation Panel for Sudan has been requested by the President and First Vice President of Sudan, to make a proposal on the political resolution of Abyei, and has been continually in contact with the Parties at the highest level to appraise them of its progress in this regard.

The Panel remains committed to achieving a negotiated settlement that meets the aspirations of the communities in Abyei, and will finalize and present its proposal in the shortest possible time.