Two senior UN officials briefed the Council on developments related to the fertile strip of territory and the peacekeeping mission there, UNISFA, whose mandate includes Monitoring and verification of the redeployment of forces. of the oil-rich region, in accordance with a 2011 agreement.
Stalled political process
Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee said the political process remains stalled, as it has been since the Sudan war broke out.
Although there has been progress toward dialogue, “considerable challenges remain in making progress on the final status of Abyei.” They include dynamics related to the conflict in Sudan and political uncertainty in South Sudan.
He noted that the recent strategic review of UNISFA – which the Council requested last November – “outlined a revitalized political role for the Mission, which stands ready to provide support to the parties as they plan the resumption of talks.”
RSF presence and community tensions
Meanwhile, UNISFA has continued to report an increased presence of RSF elements and associated individuals in northern Abyei.
This has contributed to high crime rates, particularly in Amiet Market, a popular shopping center for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
“The rapid growth of the market in recent years has made it a possible source of tensions between communities.which represents a new challenge for UNISFA,” said Ms Pobee, pointing out the illegal checkpoints set up by the RSF and other armed groups.
“UNISFA has had no choice but to periodically collaborate with the armed actors present in the area to facilitate their expulsion.remind them that their presence in the Abyei administrative area is contrary to the status of demilitarized and weapons-free Abyei, and prevent their return.”
Furthermore, South Sudanese security forces also remain present in southern Abyei, which constitutes another violation.
“I reiterate the call for the immediate withdrawal of all armed forces and other armed actors from Abyei, in accordance with Abyei’s weapons-free status,” he said.
‘Unsustainable’ operating environment
Ms Pobee said the strategic review also detailed how the operational environment for the mission’s former logistics center and Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) headquarters in Kadugli, Sudan, “has become simply unsustainable”.
The fighting is putting peacekeepers at risk and “The situation has become more serious with an increase in targeted drone attacks.” by the RSF, which has had an adverse effect on UNISFA air operations.
Furthermore, the conflict in Sudan and the continued influx of displaced people continue to create economic difficulties in Abyei, and the mission has had to facilitate the activities of humanitarian personnel assisting the population.
Impact on South Sudan
The war also continues to affect security in South Sudan, UN special envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong told the Council.
Cross-border movements by armed groups from both sides have led to increased insecurity in and around the border area.
The war and deteriorating security are also affecting South Sudan’s main source of income, as the flow of oil and exports through Sudan have been significantly disrupted, resulting in a nearly 25 percent contraction of the economy.
“Only after greater bilateral engagement and new agreements to improve security along the pipeline route and other facilities, oil production and transportation resumed earlier this year,” he said.
However, subsequent RSF attacks on oil facilities that took place in May and August “caused oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.”
Support dialogue
In her briefing, Ms. Pobee noted that both Sudan and South Sudan have indicated their willingness to resume contact in Abyei.
Last month, the countries announced their intention to revive cooperation agreements focused on security and the economy.
As the African Union (AU) continues to play a critical role in facilitating engagement between parties, UNIFSA will continue its close coordination with the organisation, he said.
Mr Cong also welcomed the renewed efforts to revive the Abyei political process and looked forward to supporting the AU in this regard.