The African Union says Sudan and South Sudan have not fully implemented temporary agreements on the disputed Abyei region.

The statement comes after a meeting of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee in Addis Ababa this week to review the situation in the area.

The AU facilitator of AJOC, Boitshoko Mokgatlhe, says armed forces are still in Abyei.

The AU facillitator says Sudan is maintaining what it calls the Difra Police Force in the northern part of the region.

Mr. Boitshoko says both sides should withdraw their forces in accordance with previous agreements on the area.

“We are concerned because should anything happen in Abyei, it has the potential of spoiling the relationship that has been built by the two countries to have peace and security for their people. We need that mechanism to work effectively to make sure that we maintain some peace in Abyei.” He said.

 At the AJOC meeting, both parties agreed that there should be no weapons in Abyei.

Both sides condemned recent attacks in the area.

The co-chair of AJOC representing South Sudan, Deng Mading, said the Sudanese Misseryia militias are the ones causing insecurity in the area.

He said the UN security force deployed in the area is helping provide security.

“As we have repeatedly said, the deployment of UNISFA is perhaps the most significant positive development for the people of the area in docket. Abyei used to be exposed to unhindered attacks from the north that led to the virtual depopulation of the area as people fled to the South or for safety.” The South Sudanese Co-Chair explained.

Hassan Ali Nimer Ali is the co-chair of AJOC representing Sudan.

He said Sudan is willing to continue with dialogue under AJOC to maintain security in Abyei.

He said: ‘‘We also like to put on records here that the government of Sudan has never been reason for stalemate which has taken place concerning the meetings of AJOC.”

Sudan and South Sudan have not agreed on how to carry out a referendum to determine the status of the region.