Mozambique’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Pedro Commissioner, defends the acceleration of negotiations on the status of Abiei, with a view to taking steps towards stabilization in that region of South Sudan. Abiei has been the scene of inter-communal clashes, which have lasted for almost two decades, having reached a peak last year, with the record of around a thousand deaths. In the first quarter of this year, more than two hundred people died in clashes between young civil defense soldiers and community militias in the region. Kidnappings, cattle theft and exchanges of gunfire between communities along the border between South Sudan and Sudan are the most frequent forms of violence. Speaking on behalf of the called A3, a group of three African countries, in the UN Security Council, Mozambique, Algeria and Sierra Leone, Commissioner Pedro expressed particular concern about the proliferation of small arms in Abiei.”Insecurity in that region, which is being Aggravated by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, it has been responsible for civilian casualties, including UNISFA peacekeeping forces. Meanwhile, negotiations on the final status of Abyei remain stagnant” – he said. Ambassador Pedro Commissioner understands that attacks against civilians, humanitarian actors and peacekeeping forces in Abiei are unacceptable. “Attacks against civilians, humanitarian actors and forces peacekeeping are unacceptable. They constitute serious violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law. In this context, we encourage all parties to coordinate their efforts to reduce tensions and protect civilians”, he added. This month, Mozambique presides over the United Nations Security Council Unidas (RM)Source:Rádio Moçambique Online
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