Traditional authorities in Abyei, a contested region between Sudan and South Sudan, have firmly rejected pressure to join the ongoing war in Sudan, emphasizing its devastating impact on social and economic stability.
“What is currently going on in Sudan is a meaningless war, and as leaders, we do not support any side,” said Mohamed Saed, a representative of Misseriya tribal chief Mutar Babo Nimir.
He pointed to the hardships caused by the war, such as displacement and economic disruption, particularly in areas like Babanusa, Fula, Muglad, and Meram.
Agal Manyiel Chol, Deputy Paramount Chief of the Nine Ngok chiefdoms, criticized the war as a power struggle among elites seeking control over resources.
“If you examine the causes of the fighting in Sudan and those involved, you conclude it is all about hegemonic power, prestige, and influence over resources,” Chol said.
He urged communities to focus on peaceful coexistence rather than being drawn into conflicts that offer them no real benefit.
The traditional leaders expressed gratitude to Concordis International, a UK-based non-profit organization, for its ongoing efforts in peacebuilding within Abyei. The organization works with local leaders, women, youth, and civil society groups to address the root causes of conflict and build lasting peace.
Stephen Mayuen Mou Akoon, Concordis’s project manager in Abyei, highlighted initiatives such as the Joint Community Peace Committee, the Joint Traditional Court, the Community Protection Committee, and the Joint Protection Committee, which play a key role in promoting stability and accountability in the region. “We engage with all groups to find long-term solutions and ensure future conflicts are managed peacefully,” Akoon stated.
With no formal judicial system in place, these locally led mechanisms aim to strengthen the rule of law and foster cooperation between communities, ensuring Abyei remains a zone of peace despite the ongoing turmoil in Sudan.