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Report: Sudan official says 100 killed in Abyei border region
Jun 3, 2011, 10:18 GMT
Nairobi/Juba - Almost 100 people were killed when North Sudanese forces took over the Abyei region on the contested border with the South two weeks ago, the former administrative head of the region said on Friday.
Speaking to the Sudan Tribune newspaper, Deng Arop Kuol said many others were still missing.
'We are still awaiting confirmation by the family and clan members, but it is almost 100,' he said.
According to the South Sudanese government, around 150,000 residents have fled the region claimed by both the North and the South. The South is set to break away as a fully independent country following a referendum in January.
UN officials refer to a tense and explosive security situation in the Abyei region, while the North Sudanese military has urged residents to return, saying conditions have stabilized.
Renewed conflict in the region, which contains around 25 per cent of Sudan's oil reserves, has put severe pressure on the 2005 peace accord between the largely Muslim North and largely Christian South.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir initially stressed that Abyei is part of the North, but talks between the two sides have led to the suggestion of a joint administration of the area, once the South becomes independent on July 9.
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