Britain demands South Sudan withdraw troops from Abyei

NEW YORK – The United Kingdom has called for the withdrawal of South Sudanese troops from the disputed Abyei region and an end to ongoing fighting in Sudan.

James Kariuki, Deputy Permanent Representative of the UK Mission to the UN, expressed deep concern about escalating intercommunal clashes in Abyei during a UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

“The UK is deeply concerned by the alarming rise in intercommunal clashes between the Ngok Dinka of Abyei and Twic Dinka of South Sudan’s Warrap State,” Kariuki stated.

He highlighted the devastating impact of the violence, noting “hundreds of civilian casualties” and the deaths of two peacekeepers in the past six months.

Kariuki urged South Sudan to comply with the Status of Forces Agreement and immediately withdraw its armed forces from southern Abyei. He offered condolences to the families of victims, including two ICRC workers killed in South Darfur on May 2^nd.

The UK representative emphasized the need to create an environment conducive to UNISFA’s operations.

“We call on the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to create the necessary conditions for UNISFA to fully implement its protection mandate,” Kariuki said.

He further urged community leaders to de-escalate tensions.

Kariuki pointed out that the increased South Sudanese troop presence contributes to instability and arms proliferation in Abyei.

He also called on Sudan to guarantee safe resupply and freedom of movement for the Joint Border Verification Mechanism. Enhanced coordination between local authorities was seen as crucial for ensuring aid reaches vulnerable populations in Abyei.

“For real progress to be made in addressing Abyei’s dire humanitarian situation and its unresolved political status, fighting in Sudan must end now,” Kariuki stressed.

He reiterated calls for the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to cease hostilities and facilitate a political transition.

“Civilians continue to bear the brunt of the military clashes in Sudan and inter-communal conflict across Abyei and South Sudan. Peacekeepers and humanitarians are risking their lives to alleviate suffering. They must not be targets,” Kariuki concluded.