The Office of the President says Abyei traditional leaders declined to attend a meeting with their Misseriya counterparts this month to first consult with the people.

The meeting was schedule for 20-24 June in Addis Ababa, but the South Sudanese team did not show up.

It was expected to discuss peace and reconciliation between the two communities under the mediation of Abyei Joint Oversight Committee.

The Presidential Press Secretary, Ateny Wek Ateny, says representatives of the Dinka Ngok community had a limited time to convene a meeting in the area to consult.

He told Eye Radio that the team will attend the next meeting, which is yet to be scheduled.

“It’s the timing that has come in a very funny manner, because the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, before they could go to Addis Ababa had to convene a meeting in Abyei in which the Abyei people could brainstorm and consult before they go for that meeting,” Mr Ateny said.

“The logistics and some other intervening factors made it difficult for that to happen. If the meeting is rescheduled, then they will be able to attend.”

Abyei is contested by Sudan and South Sudan. They are yet to agree on how to conduct a referendum to determine the status of the region.

But in the last few months, the Dinka Ngok reported killings allegedly by Misseriya militias. Mr Ateny dismissed media reports that the Dinka Ngok had set conditions for the dialogue.