Considerable success had been achieved in Sudan's peace process, but challenges still remained, UNMIS Deputy Force Commander Brig. Gen. Stanislaus Tembo said during a visit to Abyei on 11 May.

Considerable success had been achieved in Sudan's peace process, but challenges still remained, UNMIS Deputy Force Commander Brig. Gen. Stanislaus Tembo said during a visit to Abyei on 11 May.

But the Deputy Force Commander, who was bidding farewell to UNMIS staff after serving two years in Sudan, said he was confident challenges would be overcome if all actors worked diligently and professionally.

Steady progress had been made to achieve peace in Abyei with the signing of Abyei Roadmap Agreement last year, Brig. Gen. Tembo noted. He expressed dismay, however, over alleged continued violations of the accord by its parties -- the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA).

There had been recent reports of the parties returning to the Roadmap area armed and in uniform, the Deputy Force Commander said. "We understand that the soldiers have relatives here, and we can't deny them the right to visit ... in the Roadmap area ... all we are asking is, let them come in civvies and without weapons."

He urged all actors in the Abyei peace process to avoid a repetition of the May 2008 clashes. "Through our combined efforts, we managed to bring Abyei back where it is today. People of Abyei want peace ... the Sudanese want peace."

Violent conflict broke out in May last year between the SAF and the SPLA, leaving about 100 people dead and more than 50,000 people displaced. The Abyei Roadmap Agreement directs the SAF to redeploy to the north of the concerned area and the SPLA to the south, and that Joint Integrated Units be responsible for security.

"It will be through our diligent handling of the issues of Abyei that we will ensure Abyei, alongside other sectors, reach or match ... the intended goal of achieving peace, stability and economic development for its people," said Brig. Gen. Tembo.