New Agreement Between Dinka Ngok and Misseriya
Leaders of the Dinka Ngok and Misseriya tribes in the Abyei region signed a new agreement aimed at preventing conflict during the annual cattle migration season.
The agreement was signed at the conclusion of a three-day conference in Nong Township, organized by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Concordis International charity.
The agreement pledges to protect civilians and their livelihoods along the migration routes and to build trust between pastoralists and farming communities.
This year’s migration comes amid an “increasingly complex regional context,” according to a press release from UNISFA, with growing security concerns and strain on essential resources due to the sudden surge in the number of displaced people.
The conference was notable for its broad inclusivity. For the first time, representatives of the Nuer tribe were invited to the opening session. Women comprised one-third of the attendees, while youth representatives made up 22%.
Following the discussions, participants established four joint committees between the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities. These committees will be tasked with addressing potential conflicts and disseminating the conference’s outcomes along three main migration corridors.
Key practical measures include mapping potential conflict hotspots and updating migration routes. Local communities also proposed measures to mitigate risks and ensure a peaceful migration season.
The final resolution highlighted the destructive impact of “malicious information” on peace efforts.
Leaders were urged to support initiatives aimed at combating rumors and fake news. The conference also addressed the impacts of climate change on local communities and developed measures to mitigate the associated challenges.
Calls for Enhanced Security
Community leaders used the conference as an opportunity to call on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to strengthen its protection of civilians and increase security measures at the strategic Amit Common Market.
Meanwhile, youth leaders pledged to work with partners to reduce crime.
In a statement, the Acting Head of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Brigadier General Amir Omrani, reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to peace and security.
He linked its support to a new UN mandate that “underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting civilians, providing security, and promoting dialogue among local communities.”
Brigadier General Omrani also acknowledged the financial challenges facing UNISFA and humanitarian organizations, but emphasized their commitment to “their reason for being” in Abyei.
He concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to local communities: “Only by working together will we be able to achieve our objectives and ensure that the Abyei area remains safe during this dry season.”