South Sudan: UN Renews UNISFA Mandate

The United Nations (UN) Security Council has extended the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), South Sudan, until 15 December, 2021.

The UN reaffirmed all previous resolutions concerning the situation in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

According to the supranational organisation, the current situation in Abyei and along the Sudan and South Sudan border constitutes a threat to international peace and security.

‘Unanimously adopting resolution 2606 (2021) (to be issued as document S/RES/2606(2021)) and acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the council reaffirmed all previous resolutions and presidential statements concerning the situation in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, underlining the importance of full compliance with and implementation of these’, the UN statement read.

‘Further, the council recognised that the current situation in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security. It decided to remain actively seized of the matter’.

While a 2011 referendum resulted in the independence of South Sudan, the oil-producing and fertile Abyei area, which lies along the border of Sudan and South Sudan, remains contested.

The northern Sudan military, on 21 May, 2011, took over the Abyei area, with satellite images showing that one-third of all civilian buildings in the town were razed by the army.

In response to the violence in Abyei, UNISFA was established in June 2011.

UNISFA is tasked with monitoring the flashpoint border and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and is authorised to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei.

According to the most recent Secretary-General’s report regarding Abyei, the implementation of previous decisions of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism remains pending and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee has not met since November 2017.

Until September 2021, UNISFA had a total of 3,815 personnel stationed in Abyei.

Source: United Nations

Photo source: UNISFA

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