The new Chief Administrator of Abyei Administrative Area, Kuol Deim Kuol has finally arrived in Abyei from Juba. His flight to Abyei was postponed many times for reasons including meetings he was holding in Juba. Kuol was appointed by South Sudan president Salva Kiir since June 29th. Hundreds of people turned up for his reception at Agok airstrip on Monday.
Addressing the reception at Muduria in Agok, Kuol promised to work for unity and peace. He also talked about provision of security to civilians and their properties but did not go into details.
The new leader is expected to hold a rally on Tuesday in Abyei town where his office is. Like his predecessors, Kuol has many challenges to encounter in his administration. There are poor roads leading to inaccessibility to some parts in the area during rainy season.
Cattle raids have been reported in many parts of Abyei box. In June, the advisor for security in Abyei Administrative Area, Kelek Kon put the number of raided cattle between March to June, this year, at more than 1,500 herds.
Armed attacks have led to deaths of more than 50 civilians and displacement of others.
The deadliest was January attack on Kolom village north west of Abyei town in which more than thirty civilians including children and women were killed.