Salva Kiir Forms High-Level Committee for Dialogue with Sudan on Abyei Issue

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit has issued a republican decree establishing a high-level committee to revive dialogue on the final status of the disputed Abyei region.

According to the presidential order, Dr. Benjamin Bol Mel, Vice President for Economic Cluster Affairs, has been appointed as chair of the reconstituted committee, while Deng Bieng Majok, Minister of East African Community Affairs, has been named deputy chair.

The Minister of Presidential Affairs and Martin Otemoya were assigned as rapporteurs.

The committee—which includes several senior government officials and prominent figures from the Abyei area—will engage directly with the Government of Sudan regarding the region’s final status. It is tasked with submitting regular reports to President Salva Kiir on the progress of discussions and developments, and exploring political and diplomatic options to resolve the dispute in a peaceful and sustainable manner.