Abyei Returns to the Spotlight as Messeriya Turn to the United Nations

Port Sudan – Sudanhorizon
The contentious issue of Abyei has resurfaced as the Messeriya tribal leaders submitted a memorandum to the United Nations Secretary-General, delivered to the representative of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The memorandum strongly rejected the steps taken by the Government of South Sudan to approve a unilateral referendum and annex Abyei to its territory.
These developments follow the outbreak of war in Sudan in mid-April 2023 and alleged attempts by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia to use the Abyei issue as a bargaining tool to gain favour and support from South Sudan.
Tribal Leaders Defend Their Rights
In their statement, the Messeriya leadership asserted, “All divine and international laws grant us the right to defend our legitimate rights.”
The memorandum highlighted that UNISFA’s presence in Abyei derives its legitimacy from maintaining the area as a demilitarized zone free of any armed forces, except for the Abyei Police, which has yet to be established. However, the memorandum criticized UNISFA for failing to uphold this mandate, citing reports, including UN Security Council Resolution 2760 (2024), which confirmed the presence and expansion of South Sudanese military and security forces in Abyei.
The Messeriya leaders called on the UN Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities by halting South Sudan’s violations of agreements and Security Council resolutions concerning Abyei.
RSF’s Involvement
In January 2024, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (“Hemedti”) reportedly committed to facilitating the return of thousands of Abyei residents and South Sudanese nationals stranded in Sudan. In Nairobi, Kenya, Hemedti met with prominent figures from the Dinka Ngok community, including Francis Deng Majok and Luka Biong. Luka Biong noted at the time that Hemedti expressed his firm commitment to supporting the safe return of South Sudanese citizens when conditions allowed.
UN Concern and South Sudan’s Actions
On May 7, 2024, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern about South Sudan deploying forces in Abyei, violating the 2011 agreement that designated Abyei as a demilitarized zone.
Dr. Salouma Mousa Yahya, the head of Abyei’s administration, criticized the Dinka Ngok’s efforts to convince South Sudan to recognize the results of the unilateral 2013 referendum as illegitimate and unwelcome. He argued that these attempts exploited Sudan’s internal turmoil caused by the RSF-led war to impose a new reality in Abyei, bypassing existing agreements, laws, and protocols governing the referendum process.
Dr. Yahya reaffirmed the Messeriya community’s right to oppose these unilateral actions, emphasizing that any referendum must be conducted under Sudanese government supervision, as stipulated by law. He urged South Sudan to respect international agreements and refrain from actions that could destabilize the region.
Messeriya Protests
On January 19, 2025, the Messeriya tribe staged a protest outside the UNISFA headquarters in Abyei, objecting to South Sudan’s moves to approve the unilateral referendum. A memorandum was submitted to UNISFA, rejecting South Sudan’s attempts to annex Abyei through a one-sided process.
The memorandum outlined that the Abyei Protocol and subsequent agreements mandate that any determination of Abyei’s status must be through a referendum supervised by a commission established by Sudan’s presidency, as per Article 8 of the protocol. It highlighted repeated violations by South Sudan, including the establishment of unilateral administrative control in Abyei since 2013, deployment of military forces, and activities such as issuing South Sudanese visas in Abyei.
Preservation of Peace and Rights
Despite these violations, the Messeriya memorandum emphasized their commitment to maintaining peace and social cohesion with the Dinka Ngok community, fostering stability in Abyei amidst the broader conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan.
The memorandum concluded by rejecting South Sudan’s unilateral steps to annex Abyei, calling on the UN Security Council to intervene and uphold international agreements. The Messeriya reaffirmed their determination to protect their rights: “Our adherence to international law and agreements should not be seen as weakness. We stand firm in our rightful claims to Abyei.”
The Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, established under the 2011 administrative and security arrangements agreement, continues to monitor security and development in the region. Comprising four members (two from each country) and a fifth member appointed by the African Union Commission, the committee oversees the region’s administration and ensures agreement compliance.
A Call for Resolution
The Messeriya leadership reiterated their appeal for international action to halt South Sudan’s violations and ensure that Abyei’s status is determined through legal and agreed-upon processes. The situation underscores the fragile balance in Abyei and the need for a just and peaceful resolution to prevent further destabilization in the region.