Map|Warrap and Abyei border - courtesy

Vice President Taban Deng Gai has cautioned that political arguments alone are insufficient to resolve the final status of Abyei without strong enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity.

Speaking on Saturday, August 29, during the Abyei Youth Association Symposium in Juba, Vice President Taban urged young people to join national security forces, stating that neither the national government nor the Abyei Special Administrative Area can secure the final status of Abyei from a position of weakness.

He outlined three avenues for determining the region’s status: a political agreement, the October 2013 referendum results, or the recommendations of former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

However, he emphasized that the execution of any option relies on the administrative, political, economic, and military capacity of both governments.

“Whichever path is taken, it will depend on the administrative, political, economic, and military capacity of the Abyei administration and the government of South Sudan,” VP Taban told attendees. “If not for the deep commitment of the sons and daughters of Abyei, the region would not be part of South Sudan today.”

Highlighting the historical context, the Vice President pointed out that former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir previously used military power to block the execution of the official Abyei referendum. He cautioned that political arguments alone are insufficient without strong enforcement mechanisms and institutional capacity.

Drawing parallels to veteran commanders such as Gen. Pieng Deng Kuol who participated in the liberation struggle, Vice President Taban urged the current generation to show similar bravery by enlisting in the organized forces.

“The remaining task rests on our citizens,” he said. “If you are not strong, and if you do not step up to join the army and the police, no one will listen to your demands regarding the final status of Abyei.”

The symposium brought together youth leaders, community representatives, and government officials to deliberate on legal, historical, and strategic approaches toward resolving the long-standing status of the oil-rich border region.