Sudan-backed tribal official criticizes Abyei peacekeepers over presence of rebels

Al-Khair Al-Fahim, co-chair of Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), has slammed the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for turning a blind eye to the presence of Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) in the region. The pro-government Sudanese Media Center (SMC) website cited al-Fahim as saying that SRF insurgents are now stationed in East Abyei and called on the UN force to expel them from the area. The Sudan-backed Misseriya official met with African Union (AU) envoy Boshoko Maqati on Saturday and discussed with him re-launching AJOC meetings which al-Fahim said were suspended due to the intransigence of South Sudan and the heavy presence of SRF forces east of Abyei. Sudan continuously accuses Juba of backing SRF insurgents. Al-Fahim underscored the need for implementing the process of enhancing peaceful coexistence between the Misseriya and the Dinka Ngok tribes who are aligned with South Sudan. He pledged to continue AJOC meetings in order to reach agreement on the composition of civil institutions and police and also praised the role of the AU in following issues of the region to achieve peace and stability.