War in Sudan and Political Uncertainty in South Sudan Hinder Abyei Progress, Assistant Secretary-General Reports to Security Council

The ongoing war in Sudan and the political uncertainty in South Sudan have impeded progress in political dialogue concerning the final status of Abyei and border issues, a senior UN official reported to the Security Council today. As the Council members called for greater support for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) ahead of its mandate expiration on November 14, the impact of these challenges was underscored.

“The war in Sudan continues to profoundly impact the security, economic, and humanitarian conditions in both Sudan and South Sudan, including in the Abyei area,” stated Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations. She briefed the Council on the implementation of resolution 2046 (2012) and provided updates on developments in Abyei and UNISFA, including its support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

Recent Developments

In South Sudan, insecurity has disrupted oil production and exports, worsening its fragile financial situation. On the humanitarian front, hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing the fighting in Sudan have crossed into South Sudan, where they face dire conditions, including inadequate access to clean water, food, and health services. In the Abyei area, the proliferation of small arms and heavy weaponry continues, with South Sudanese officials reporting a 21 October incursion by Rapid Support Forces combatants who looted Aman-Aguak and Mijak counties.

The movement of armed groups is worsening the fragile security situation in South Sudan and Abyei, particularly concerning pre-existing tensions between the Twic Mayardit and Ngok Dinka communities. Climate change-related challenges, including recent heavy rains and flooding, have displaced more than 18,000 people in Abyei, affecting crops, infrastructure, and disrupting health and education services.

The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, now in its nineteenth month, remains a major source of destabilization in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions, with severe security, humanitarian, and economic consequences for Sudan’s neighbors. The full implementation of resolution 2046 (2012) is impossible without resolving the conflict in Sudan.

UNISFA’s Role

Regarding UNISFA, despite no progress in 2024 on dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan concerning Abyei’s final status and border issues, the mission continues to monitor the situation for conditions conducive to renewed talks. It supports the resumption of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, last meeting in January 2023, and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee, which has not met since 2017. In the meantime, UNISFA focuses on supporting stability in Abyei, promoting and deepening reconciliation, contributing to the absence of clashes between Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.

Pobee expressed concern about the presence of South Sudanese security personnel in southern Abyei, violating the 20 June 2011 Agreement between Sudan and South Sudan, resulting in restrictions on UNISFA’s freedom of movement. The mission continues to engage Juba authorities to call for their withdrawal, also urging South Sudanese authorities to collaborate with UNISFA to re-operationalize the Joint Political and Security Mechanism Sector 1 as soon as possible.

The increased strain on resources in Abyei, following the arrival of displaced persons fleeing Sudan’s fighting, has led to a rise in crime. Pobee called on the Council to support UNISFA’s ongoing requests to the host countries to enable the full deployment of mandated UN police, given UNISFA’s limited capacity to support the rule of law in Abyei at this critical time.

Council Members’ Reactions

During the debate, several Council members voiced concern over the stalled political process. The United States representative emphasized that unresolved tensions between Sudan and South Sudan limit engagement prospects, hindering progress on resolving Abyei’s final status. The region’s security and governance have further deteriorated, with the conflict in Sudan impeding UNISFA’s tasks and restricting peacekeepers’ movement and the presence of South Sudanese security forces in southern Abyei. Intercommunal violence involving Ngok Dinka, Twic Dinka, and Nuer communities continues to pose major risks to civilians in southern Abyei.

France’s delegate urged conflicting parties to respect their commitments under the Jeddah Declaration and protect civilians. He recalled the Declaration of Principles adopted during the international humanitarian conference for Sudan and neighboring countries on 15 April in Paris, urging all stakeholders to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access. He expressed regret over the postponement of elections for two years, calling on South Sudanese authorities to work towards peaceful, transparent, and inclusive elections as soon as possible.

Other Council members, including China, Japan, and the United Kingdom, underscored the importance of supporting UNISFA in fulfilling its mandate in challenging circumstances. The UK representative, Council President for November, called on Juba and Khartoum to remove obstacles to UNISFA’s operations. He also echoed Pobee’s appeal for South Sudanese leaders to withdraw the People’s Defence Forces from Abyei.

Mozambique’s representative, also speaking for Algeria, Guyana, and Sierra Leone, highlighted the need to define Abyei’s final status and hold the planned referendum, ensuring the implementation of the 2011 agreement and respecting Abyei’s demilitarized status. Investing in development initiatives is crucial to stabilize the region, he said, also stressing the importance of addressing the conflict’s impact in Sudan. He reiterated support for UNISFA, calling for strengthened community-based reconciliation and protection mechanisms, increased support for refugees and returnees, and managing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons