The Security Council said Sudan’s war continued to spread across its borders

Rich in oil resources, the Abyei region lies on the border between Sudan and South Sudan and is claimed by both sides.

“The war in Sudan continues to have a profound impact on the security, economic and humanitarian situation in both Sudan and South Sudanincluding the Abyei box,” Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa at the United Nations Department of Peace Operations, told ambassadors at Security Council.

Since a brutal power struggle between rival armies in Sudan began last April, Abyei and its neighbors have struggled with disruptions in oil production and a surge of refugees. increase.

These setbacks have put South Sudan’s already strained resources under greater pressure, with thousands of refugees enduring severe shortages of clean water, food and health care.

The Security Council first authorized a peacekeeping force there in June 2011, weeks before South Sudan became the world’s youngest independent country.

Proliferation of weapons

Ms. Pobee also emphasized the continued proliferation of weapons and rising tensions, as observed with the recent attack by Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militants on the Aman-Aguak and Mijak districts of Abyei, with reports of looting.

“The movement of armed groups also further complicating the fragile security situation in South Sudan and Abyei, especially in relation to pre-existing tensions between the Twic Mayardit and Ngok Dinka communities across Warrap and Abyei states,” she said.

Extreme weather has added to the woes. Particularly in September and October, Heavy rain forced more than 18,000 people to evacuate in Abyeidestroying homes, crops and critical infrastructure while exacerbating public health risks in the area.

Community tension

United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) has continued its efforts to promote inter-communal dialogue and resolve tensions, especially through facilitating pre- and post-migration conferences at Noong in central Abyei in December 2023 and May 5 2024 while ensuring the participation of key groups including women and youth.

Additionally, with reports that leaders of the Arab Misseriya group have declared support for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Sudan, UNISFA is monitor the situation and its potential impacts on Abyei, Ms. Pobee said.

Tensions between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities also remain high, with sporadic violence only mitigated by mobility challenges posed by the rainy season.

The continued presence of South Sudanese security personnel in Abyei, in violation of a 2011 agreement between Sudan and South Sudan, also strained relations and led to restrictions on UNISFA travel.

Meanwhile, UNISFA continues to facilitate aid delivery with UN agencies providing vital services such as health, nutrition and livelihood skills to Abyei residents – those indispensable efforts to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.

Women and men from the Abyei Women’s Union participated in UNISFA training that also focused on the role of women in peacebuilding.

Negotiations stalled

As political unrest continues, dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan on the final status of Abyei and border issues still stalled.

UNISFA’s efforts to convene the Abyei Joint Supervisory Committee and the Joint Political and Security Mechanism – key forums for promoting peace in the region – have made little progress, with meetings Their last dates were held in 2017 and January 2023, respectively.

To enhance Abyei security in the absence of the agreed-upon Abyei Police Department, Ms. Pobee emphasized the need for full deployment of the United Nations police force.

“At a time when the need for such support is growing, The full deployment of 148 police officers and the three police units established at the request of the Security Council are essential.”, Ms. Pobee said.

“We ask you, members of the Security Council, to reiterate your support by echoing UNISFA’s persistent call to host countries to allow the deployment of UN police fully as authorized.”