Khartoum’s Occupation of Abyei Jeopardizes Peace in Sudan

Morgan Lorraine Roach / June 02, 2011

In a matter of weeks, the Republic of South Sudan is scheduled to gain full independence. This step is the culmination of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Sudanese government in Khartoum and the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) that is intended to permanently resolve the decades-long civil war that led to an estimated 2 million deaths. However, this peace and independence process is threatened by continued violence in the disputed border area of Abyei (the South Kordofan region).

Abyei has long been one of the most intractable issues between Sudan and South Sudan. The territory is subject to competing historical and ethnic claims. Because oil resources are overwhelmingly located in South Sudan, Khartoum also has an economic incentive to maintain control over oil rich Abyei. As a result, neither side is willing to yield on Abyei, and the dispute threatens entire peace process. (more…)