UN demands demilitarization of Abyei, warns of Sudan conflict impact

UNITED NATIONS – The UN Security Council has urged Sudan and South Sudan to respect Abyei’s demilitarized status, demanding both nations withdraw their forces and address the political and humanitarian fallout from Sudan’s ongoing conflict.

Briefing the Council on Thursday, UN Peacekeeping Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix highlighted the disruption of Sudan-South Sudan dialogue caused by Sudan’s April conflict. This, he said, has stalled progress on Abyei’s final status and border issues.

“The UN, in close coordination with the African Union, remains ready to support a resumption of dialogue and is monitoring the situation for conditions that might allow for this,” Lacroix stated.

Lacroix expressed worry over the presence of approximately 200 South Sudanese troops and 60 Sudanese oil police in their respective zones of Abyei. He noted these deployments violate UNISFA’s mandate and undermine Abyei’s demilitarized status, hindering the mission’s operations.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has been assisting around 220,000 vulnerable people in Abyei, including those displaced by intercommunal clashes and the Sudan conflict. Over 9,000 people have sought refuge at Amiet Market, UN humanitarian partners reported.

UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hanna Serwaa Tetteh noted that Sudan’s conflict hampers discussions on Abyei’s final status.

However, Abyei community representatives have emphasized the need to keep the region’s status on the UN and African Union agendas. She also called for a comprehensive political strategy to address conflicts in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states alongside Abyei’s final status.

Council members expressed alarm over the stalled political progress in Abyei and the impact of Sudan’s conflict. They urged both countries to withdraw their troops and prioritize dialogue.

Ghana’s delegate, speaking on behalf of Gabon and Mozambique, underscored the African Union and IGAD’s central role in resolving Abyei’s status. He lamented the lack of progress and called on Sudan’s warring parties to embrace dialogue and diplomacy to enable peacebuilding.

The US representative echoed concerns about armed groups in Abyei, demanding their immediate withdrawal and urging both governments to ensure UNISFA peacekeepers’ safe passage.

Malta’s delegate encouraged Sudan and South Sudan to resume discussions and finalize Abyei’s status. She highlighted the continued military occupation of schools and community centers and stressed the need for an Abyei Police Service.

Switzerland’s representative emphasized greater protection for Abyei’s population and support for those displaced by intercommunal tensions and the Sudan conflict. Ecuador’s delegate called for justice over reports of enslavement of women and girls and stressed the urgency of humanitarian aid.

Sudan’s representative denied allegations of military presence in Abyei beyond buffer zones, accusing the Rapid Support Forces of receiving external support. He called for regional cooperation to address this issue and urged avoidance of unilateral measures.

South Sudan’s representative reaffirmed her country’s commitment to peacefully resolving the Abyei dispute, calling on Sudan to demonstrate political will and engage in dialogue under the African Union’s auspices.

“We call on the Government of Sudan to engage constructively in negotiations to reach an agreement on this matter as soon as possible,” she said.