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Sudan Requests Replacement of Ethiopian Troops in Abyei, Summons Ethiopian Ambassador over River Floating Bodies

Sudan Tribune, September 8, 2021 

 

Ethiopian refugees  at the Setit river that runs between the Tigray region and Sudan.	Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, file, September 6, 2021

Sudan summons Ethiopian ambassador over river floating bodies

Sudan Tribune,

September 8, 2021 (KHARTOUM) -

Sudanese officials and the visiting Head of UN Peacekeeping operations discussed the situation in Abyei and ways to move forward towards a solution to the disputed area within the rapprochement between the two Sudan countries.

Jean Pierre Lacroix on Tuesday discussed with Prime Minister Abdallah Hamdok and Head of Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan the replacement of the Ethiopian troops by other forces and the role of UNISFA in the border area.

Lacroix has to submit a report about UNISFA to the Security Council by 30 September 2021. This report should include an assessment of the improved relations between Sudan and South Sudan and recommendations for reconfiguration of the Force and establish a viable exit strategy from Abyei.

Speaking to reporters after his meeting with al-Burhan, Lacroix said the meeting was "very productive" and reiterated the UN commitment to support the transition in Sudan.

"We further discussed the situation in Abyei and the way in which the UN could continue supporting the people of Abyei, South Sudan and Sudan in their efforts to find a political solution for Abyei," he added.

He added that the discussion included how UNISFA can continue its role, and how the UNISFA tasks can be adapted to the new situation.

Before arriving in Khartoum, the UN senior official was in Addis Ababa where he discussed with Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen the withdrawal of the Ethiopian troops.

Earlier this year, Sudan requested the replacement of Ethiopian troops from Abyei with a multinational force due to the Ethiopian claim of the al-Fashaga border area and stalled negotiations over the GERD.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mariam al-Mahdi said Lacroix welcomed the formation of a Sudanese-South Sudanese high-level committee to address the situation in Abyei.

Al-Mahdi added this Agreement on the Temporary Arrangements for the Administration and Security of the Abyei Area of 20 June 2011.

Also, al-Burhan told Lacroix that Sudan expects UN support for the transition and the implementation of the Juba Peace Agreement, she added.

In a separate statement, the cabinet of the prime minister said that Hamdok and Lacroix discussed the steps undertaken to replace the Ethiopian troops working in the UNICEF.

The visiting international official "confirmed that the United Nations has begun searching for troops from several countries that meet the required specifications," said the cabinet.

Last week, Sudan welcomed the participation of Bangladesh troops in the UNISFA.

The French diplomat will travel to Juba for similar talks with the South Sudanese government officials over Abyei and UNISFA.

(ST)

Sudan summons Ethiopian ambassador over river floating bodies - Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan

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Sudanese Prime Minister, African leaders discuss regional conflicts

Sudan Tribune,

September 6, 2021 (KHARTOUM) -

Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok who also chairs the East African bloc of the IGAD discussed with several African leaders ways to settle the disputes and bring peace in the region, according to a statement released on Monday.

Hamdok, last week, spoke by telephone with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.

Hamdok’s office further said that Hamdok discussed the security situation in the region also with the U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Jeffrey Feltman.

The Sudanese prime minister proposed that the IGAD mediates negotiations between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front. (TPLF). Addis Ababa declined the offer pointing to the border dispute and GERD issue with Sudan.

However, Hamdok said he would continue to mobilize regional efforts to settle the conflict.

"The Prime Minister conveyed the Sudanese position on the region’s issues in his capacity as the head of IGAD," said the statement.

Also, he listened to the ideas of his interlocutors including serious and practical proposals to settle the challenges affecting the region and the continent through an African approach, pinpointed the statement.

On Friday, South Sudanese Information Minister Michael Makuei told reporters that President Kiir would mediate between the Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels.

"It is worth mentioning that the visit of President (Kiir) to Ethiopia came as a request from Prime Minister of Sudan, Abdalla Hamdok who is now the Chair of IGAD who requested President Kiir to go to Ethiopia believing that he is the right person to mediate in the Ethiopian conflict," Makuei stressed.

(ST)

Sudanese Prime Minister, African leaders discuss regional conflicts - Sudan Tribune: Plural news and views on Sudan

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