Abyei Referendum nears: Pres Kiir to “release” Abyei citizens

People from Abyei working with the government in other parts of the country will be released from their jobs for at least three months, the Deputy co-chair of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee has said.

The releases were ordered by President Salva Kiir.

Deng Mading told Eye Radio that the release will allow people to return to Abyei to be part of the referendum.

“….any official how is working here, be it in the Army, the police or in the public service will be released by the letter from the President to go home [Abyei] and stay there at least for three months.”

Last year, the African Union mediation team proposed holding a referendum in Abyei this October, but stated that only those residing permanently in the area will be allowed to vote.

“But for those officials who are holding executive positions like ministers, they will go and came back and when October comes, they go for voting.’’

Many senior government officials in the government of South Sudan come from Abyei.