GENEVA, Switzerland, March 18 (UPI) -- The situation in the Sudanese oil-rich area of Abyei is a "flash point" that could erase any gains from a 2005 cease-fire, a U.N. expert said.
The United Nations estimates that clashes between ethnic Ngok Dinka the herding community of Misseriya Arabs have left more than 100 people dead and displaced at least 20,000 people.
Mohammed Chande Othman, an independent U.N. expert on Sudan, said tensions in the region remain high in part because of a delayed referendum and restrictions on movement of people from South Sudan.
He called on parties to a 2005 comprehensive peace agreement to take immediate action to calm the situation.
"Abyei still remains a flash point that could potentially derail the entire peace process," he warned.
South Sudan gained independence from the north in a January referendum that was part of the 2005 peace deal. Abyei was left out because of disputes over who could vote.
"Challenges still remain in terms of democratic deepening and creating an enabling environment for peace, security and the respect for human rights and the rule of law," he said. "The remaining four months in the interim period of the CPA will be extremely critical."
