The oil rich area of Abyei is proving to be the sticking point for the implementation of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement). Officially the area is considered a part of the Sudan (North) and is to have it’s own vote as to whether or not it will become a part of Southern Sudan, should they chose to form their own country in the 2011 elections.

ReliefWeb.int has a great article about how the future of Sudan could largely hinge on how this area is treated by the North and South.

If you’re curious about the broader history of the area, read about it at wikipedia.org.

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The orange line indicates the boundary of the Abyei region. The purple states are currently a part of the North and will have their own vote whether they want to become a part of the South.