China calls for dialogue to resolve Abyei dispute
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Radio Tamazuj
China calls on Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their dispute over Abyei through dialogue, as Juba plans to include the disputed territory in general elections in December 2026. Beijing calls for joint political and security mechanisms to be preserved, according to its UN ambassador Sun Lei.
China on Thursday called on Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their dispute over Abyei, a territory disputed between the two countries, through dialogue and to work towards defining its final status. China’s ambassador to the UN, Sun Lei, called on the two countries to continue their joint political and security mechanisms at a UN Security Council meeting on 5 November.
Sun Lei notably called for the implementation of the 2011 temporary arrangements concerning Abyei, including maintaining its demilitarised and weapons-free status. He also called on the Rapid Support Forces and other armed groups to withdraw from the area and not to interfere in existing governance mechanisms. The Chinese ambassador also condemned the drone attack on the Amiet market, which caused numerous civilian casualties, and called on the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities to strengthen their dialogue.
The call comes as South Sudan’s plan to include Abyei in its general elections in December 2026 faces opposition from Sudan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the initiative could increase political tensions as the election approaches, while representatives of the two countries defended opposing positions on the political rights of the Ngok Dinka and compliance with existing agreements.
