As the days tick down until July 9, 2011 when South Sudan is scheduled to become independent, a variety of concerns appear. One focuses on Abyei – a region and a town on the border.
The United Nations News Centre notes that:
The disputed town of Abyei, which is contested by both north and south Sudan, was the scene of renewed violence last week, including looting and burning, following the takeover of the area by Sudanese Government forces.
Deadly clashes have claimed dozens of lives since the start of the year, when a referendum on Abyei’s status that was supposed to have been held never took place amid disagreement on voter eligibility.
Efforts are underway to address the situation:
The United Nations said today that humanitarian operations in Sudan are under way, focusing on identifying the location of the tens of thousands of civilians uprooted by the recent clashes in the disputed town of Abyei and responding to critical relief needs.
Hold the people of Abyei and Sudan in prayer.
Find additional resources for prayer and about Sudan on this blog, from the PC(USA) Office on Africa, and from the Sudan Advocacy Action Network