Abyei opts to join South Sudan in unofficial referendum

Oct 31, 2013 | BBC News
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Residents of the disputed region of Abyei have voted overwhelmingly to join South Sudan in an unofficial referendum.

But the Arabic-speaking Misseriya nomadic community favouring union with Sudan boycotted the vote.

Abyei's Dinka Ngok ethnic group organised the vote, with 99.9% of voters wanting to join South Sudan.

Abyei abuts both Sudan and South Sudan - which seceded in 2011 - and is claimed by both countries.

The African Union has described the vote as a threat to peace between Sudan and South Sudan.