Thousands flee north-south Sudan clashes in Abyei

By David Lewis

ABYEI, Sudan (Reuters) - Thousands of civilians fled clashes between Sudan's former north-south civil war foes in the oil-rich central town of Abyei on Thursday, local officials said.

The clashes, sparked by a local dispute, have highlighted the tension in an area claimed by both Khartoum and South Sudan. More than three years after a 2005 peace deal, they have not agreed on borders or a local government for the region.

Sporadic gunfire could be heard on the second day of clashes and smoke rose from the town.

"Most of the civilians have left town. There are about 25,000 east of Abyei," said Malony Tong, a local official from the former southern rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM). "It is not calm".

Around 50 civilians sought refuge at the gates of the U.N. peacekeeping compound but were not allowed to enter. International U.N. staff were being evacuated.

Tensions have been high for months between South Sudan and Khartoum over delays in implementing the 2005 peace deal. Both sides blame the other for stalling.

The SPLM says more than $1 billion in oil revenues from Abyei has been taken by the ruling National Congress Party rather than shared with the south as the peace deal prescribes.

But despite the clashes in Abyei, north-south relations have improved markedly since an unprecedented attack by Darfur rebels on Khartoum at the weekend when South Sudan offered military help to the government.