The ecumenical special envoy to Sudan, Dr Samuel Kobia has called on parties in Sudan to ensure the referendum on oil rich region of Abyei is held as planned.
Speaking to the Nation on Thursday, Dr Kobia said interference with the referendum would affect the integrity of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). The agreement, signed in Nairobi, in 2005, brought to an end 21 years of civil war between north and south Sudan.
His sentiments came a day after the US through State Department Spokesman Philip Crowley indicated that it may not be possible to organise the January 9 referendum in Abyei and suggested the north and the south Sudan weigh an “alternative.”
“The integrity of the CPA must be respected including the referendum on Abyei. If you tamper with one segment you will have problems with the others,” said Dr Kobia, special envoy for the All Africa Conference of Churches, a post established early early this year.
He added that the participation of the people in deciding the fate of Abyei, would give credibility to the final decision.
Among the alternatives fronted include Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir invoking his powers and decreeing Abyei to be part of the South.
“If such a thing happens, voters will feel powerless. Furthermore, there will be no guarantee that it can’t be revoked,” said Dr Kobia.
The envoy expressed confidence with preparations on the referendum on self-determination of South Sudan, also to be held on January 9, with voter registration set to kick off on Monday.
MUCH MORE AT :http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/Church%20urges%20timely%20referendum%20on%20Abyei%20/-/1066/1051720/-/qmqy4gz/-/
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