An agreement has been reached over some of the outstanding issues surrounding the future of the contested Abyei region. Last night, in the Abyei area, there was a meeting between representatives of the South Sudan and Sudan negotiating team. The two sides agreed to form a committee which will decide within two weeks on the remaining unresolved issues. The co-chair of Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, Alkahir Alfaim, spoke to Eye Radio today.

According to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement South Sudan wants a referendum to allow those who are permanent residents in the area to be allowed to vote. However, the plebiscite has been delayed over disputes over who is allowed to vote.

Khartoum wants members of the nomadic Misserya tribe be allowed to vote. The Misserya graze their cattle in the fertile areas for parts of the year.

Writer: NAOMI