10 Years Later: The October 2013 Abyei Referendum with 99.9% Results in Favour of Joining South Sudan
By Jok WaMonychok, Abyei, South Sudan
Tuesday, 31 October 2023 (PW) — As today marks 10 years since the revolutionary people of Abyei voted in a unilateral referendum, what questions can be answered? Well, I don’t want to guide anyone in questions and answers, but I would like to provoke your minds to myriad of questions you will be able to generate. With questions come the answers.
Abyei Referendum was conducted in October 2013, with 99.9% results in favour of joining South Sudan, announced on 31st October at Cuen-Ayak Square. The chantings of revolution slogans and ululations by elated women sent a captivating aura of freedom and pride down the bottom of everyone present’s heart. The atmosphere was tense and electric with jubilation. I shed tears of joy in reminiscence of the days of tyranny, resistance and struggle. It was not to be the last, but at least something tangible was secured.
Unfortunately, an ominous set of events set in. The government in Juba was presented with the people’s voice, but the government said no. Similarly, the government in Khartoum under tyrant Omar Bashir did the same, followed suit by the regional and international communities.
What transpired in October 20th’s meeting between presidents Salva Kiir Mayardit and Omar Bashir was a force to reckon with. That’s how everything ended until two months later, a deadly war broke out in Juba, putting the nascent nation into one of the most destructive civil wars ever seen. Abyei just remained like a creditor demanding payment from a deceased debtor.
But despite this negative side of the story, let’s not forget the positive achievements and recommendable directions taken calculatedly by South Sudan. Let’s not forget the fact that South Sudanese are blessed with an innate sense of nationalism until they’re in a position of decision-making. My personal experience with friends and compatriots who claim to love Abyei and South Sudan is sad because the moment they make decisions, putting patriotism aside and using politics has become the core principle. Mostly, people who are vocal about Abyei are becoming increasingly sidelined and seen as rigid.
Still, let me start with the Abyei Protocol in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). It’s stipulated that Abyei is a land of 9 Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms transferred to Kordofan in 1905. These people would exclusively vote in a referendum after six years of interim period to decide whether to join South Sudan (then Southern Sudan) or remain in the Sudan. The nomadic tribes who migrate to Abyei during dry seasons such as Misseriya and Twic and Malual Giernyang from Bahr el Ghazal, are not permanent residents and, as such, are entitled to water and pasture but not the right to vote.
This protocol is one of the greatest achievements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A), which became the ruling party that achieved independence for South Sudan. In my view, luring the National Congress Party (NCP) to sign this protocol and others was a trick of the highest standard as far as the NCP and others are concerned.
Then came the Hague Arbitration by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ruling drew the borders of what is now Abyei Box and reflects the definition of Abyei as the land of 9 Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms. This ruling is permanent and binding for eternity (revisit Permanent Court of Arbitration). Therefore, anyone who dreams of driving away or intends to exterminate the people of Abyei will do that knowing that for eternity, the land will always be for Ngok Dinka, and their offspring in the diaspora may return to it like Jews’ return to Israel.
When the CPA was almost coming to an end, that’s when the Abyei Referendum came into force. There were negotiations by the Africa Union Peace and Security Council under former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, which adopted some modalities, including an exclusive referendum for 9 Ngok Dinka Chiefdoms as stimulated in the Abyei Protocol of CPA. That’s why only the Ngok Dinka people conducted the referendum.
Again, the Government of South Sudan under H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit 2015, issued an establishment order making Abyei Special Administrative Area (ASAA). This establishment order was attached with a map famously and internationally referred to as Abyei Box. This order in 2018 was recognized by the UN General Assembly through recognition of the Juba-appointed administration and mandating United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei (UNISFA) to only cooperate with Misseriya outside the box.
This includes developmental projects for Misseriya to be delivered outside the box and also activated Chapter VII, which necessitates the use of necessary force in light of any danger to the life and property of the Ngok Dinka.
Lastly, another achievement came with the September amendment of the National Elections Act, including Abyei and other administrative areas in Electoral Constituencies. Without a doubt, the Constitution of South Sudan gives the citizens of Abyei full citizenship rights and obligations. One can hold any position, including the presidency and has the obligation to protect the country and work for the development and good image of the country.
With the events mentioned above and achievements come the realities on the ground. It’s paramount to understand the making of the nations and world politics. South Sudan, Sudan and the international community may not have explicitly recognized the referendum results, but South Sudan’s approaches implicitly indicate accepting the results. The challenge with our leaders is a lack of persistence in pursuing national issues. Abyei’s final status will not be soon broadcasted over the TV – It will never be given in a silver platter.
That’s because the elements of influence and coercion, which Khartoum is good at, are missing. International relations must be designed to suit the interest of South Sudan for Abyei, and this includes sticking and pushing for protocols on agreements and rulings.
On the other hand, the idea of seeking full autonomy is not helpful as it takes us away and deprives us of the above credible achievements. Equally, the idea of being a bridge doesn’t hold water at this moment. Abyei must choose one side because the bridge status has proven futile and dangerous for our people.
Lastly, the attitude of some politicians who lobby so much to push Abyei away and put it into extermination shouldn’t put us into panic mode. It’s a known phenomenon in history that politicians are different from leaders. Politicians are like prostitutes who go with whoever serves their interest of money or winning men’s interests. The fact that some people do not want Abyei should be left to history, our martyrs and gods of our land South Sudan. Their generations will be at the receiving end of the gods’ wrath. We can’t leave South Sudan because of them.
During the liberation struggle, warriors were martyred, permanently disabled, and traitors defected, but others took over their positions, and the struggle continued until independence. Someone may be unpatriotic to push Abyei away, but one day, there will be a change of visions and policies centred around patriotism.
Abyei can be pushed away but will crawl and breathe painfully alongside South Sudan. We are not going anywhere for the liberation of South Sudan, which found its first breath of life in Abyei.
Happy 10th Anniversary!
Long Live Abyei!
Long Live South Sudan!
The Struggle Continues!
Jok WaMonychok is the founder and CEO of Yen La Abyei, an initiative inspired by dire historical and humanitarian needs in Abyei. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the Catholic University of South Sudan and a Master of Arts in Economic Development and Policy Analysis from the University of Juba. He is reachable via jokwamonychok@gmail.com
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