The Abyei Youth Association in Juba has renewed its call for South Sudan to recognise the results of a unilateral 2013 community referendum, in which an overwhelming majority of participants voted for the disputed territory to join South Sudan. In a statement issued to mark the 13th anniversary of the vote, the Ngok Dinka youth association urged the South Sudanese government to formally recognise the results. The association said the results reflect the political aspirations of the people of Abyei.
The Ngok Dinka community organised the unilateral referendum from October 27 to 29, 2013, with results announced on October 31 showing that 99.99% of participants had voted in favour of joining South Sudan. However, neither Sudan nor South Sudan has recognised the vote, which was also not endorsed by the international community. The referendum's legitimacy has been disputed due to the absence of the Misseriya community, an Arab pastoralist group that identifies with Sudan.
Abyei remains a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, with a key point of disagreement being who should be eligible to vote in a referendum on the territory's future. The Ngok Dinka consider Abyei their ancestral home, while the Misseriya seasonally migrate through the area with their livestock. The youth association called on the governments of Sudan and South Sudan, the African Union, the United Nations, and the wider international community to renew efforts towards a just and lasting resolution of the dispute.
The continued uncertainty over Abyei's status has significantly affected residents' lives and livelihoods. The youth association cited limited access to essential services, including roads, quality schools, and clean drinking water. The absence of a final settlement has discouraged investment and slowed development in the area. The association emphasised that the people of Abyei deserve lasting peace, security, meaningful investment, and opportunities to live with dignity.
The Abyei Youth Association addressed residents, particularly younger generations, urging them to remain resilient, united, and hopeful. They encouraged continued pursuit of their aspirations through peaceful and organised efforts. The association stated that the journey may be long, but their determination must remain strong. They emphasised the importance of standing for their rights through peaceful, organised, and consistent efforts.
The association urged the community to use the anniversary to reflect on its history, strengthen unity, encourage younger generations, and keep its aspirations alive. They emphasised that Abyei's future should not be defined by prolonged uncertainty but by peace, dignity, recognition, and the opportunity for its people to determine their destiny. The association's statement highlighted that the people's aspirations have not diminished despite years of waiting.
The youth association reiterated its call for recognition of the 2013 referendum results, stating that the people's will cannot be buried by time, nor can their voice be silenced by years of waiting. They emphasised that the 99.99% who spoke loudly in 2013 remain a strong voice, and their hope for recognition remains unshaken. The association's message concluded with a strong determination to continue pursuing their rights and aspirations.
Key points
- The Abyei Youth Association urges South Sudan to recognise the 2013 referendum results.
- The 2013 referendum showed 99.99% of participants voted to join South Sudan.
- The dispute over Abyei's status affects residents' lives, livelihoods, and development.
