Geopolitical situation of Abyei: An ongoing conflict with ethnicities and natural resources as main drivers

Introduction     1   Introduction Abyei is a small area located between Sudan and the newly independent state of South Sudan. This area is very rich in natural resources, and seen its location and the very conflicting history between the North and the South, Abyei remains a conflict area where several complex processes interact and reinforce each other. The main drivers of this conflict are, on one hand, the opposition between two ethnicities; the Dinka Ngok, a southern Christian ethnic group, and the Misseriya, a northern Arab Muslim ethnic group, and on another hand, natural resources, mainly oil resources and grazing land. Dinka Ngok are supported by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/SPLA) and Misseriya by the National Congress Party (NCP). Following over 50 years of civil war, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed in 2005 between both parties granted Abyei with a special administrative status, which should have as outcome a self-determination referendum in January 2011. However, this referendum has been postponed indefinitely due to severe political and military crisis. In a first part, I will try to explain in details the very complex historical background of Sudan since the independence, and then going towards the trends that make Abyei such a particular region. Then, I will explain which are the main drivers and their history that make Abyei a very confrontational zone in Sudan and suitable for an emerging armed conflict. Subsequently I will analyze the conflict itself and its very recent trends. Finally, I will aim to draw some possible solutions, which would make a peaceful future in the area.