Relations between the neighboring countries remain deeply affected by the war in Sudan, where the national army and its former allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been fighting for power since April 2023.
Two senior UN officials briefed the Council on developments in this fertile strip of territory and the peacekeeping mission taking place there, UNISFAwhose mandate includes monitor and verify the redeployment of forces of the oil-rich region, in accordance with a 2011 agreement.
The political process is at a standstill
Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee said the political process remains stalled, as it has since the start of the war in Sudan.
Although there have been moves toward dialogue, “considerable challenges remain to make progress on Abyei’s final status.” They include dynamics related to conflict in Sudan and political uncertainty in South Sudan.
She noted that the recent strategic review of UNISFA – requested by the Council last November – “underscored a reinvigorated political role for the Mission, which stands ready to provide support to the parties as they plan a resumption of talks.”
Presence of RSF and community tensions
At the same time, UNISFA continued to report an increased presence of RSF elements and associated individuals in northern Abyei.
This has contributed to increased crime rates, particularly at Amiet Market, a popular shopping center for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
“The market’s rapid growth in recent years has made it a potential flashpoint for intercommunal tensions.adding a new challenge for UNISFA,” Ms. Pobee said, pointing to illegal checkpoints set up by the RSF and other armed groups.
“UNISFA had no choice but to engage regularly with the armed actors present in the area to facilitate their withdrawal.remind them that their presence in the Abyei administrative area is contrary to Abyei’s demilitarized and arms-free status, and prevent their return.
Additionally, 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 line with Abyei’s arms-free status,” she said.
“Untenable” operating environment
Ms. Pobee said the strategic review also detailed how the operating environment at the former mission logistics center and Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) headquarters in Kadugli, Sudan, “has become simply untenable.”
The fighting endangers peacekeepers and “the situation has become even more dire with an increase in targeted drone strikes» by the RSF, which had a negative effect on UNISFA air operations.
In addition, the Sudanese conflict and the continued influx of displaced people continue to create economic difficulties in Abyei, and the mission has had to facilitate the activities of humanitarians helping the population.
Impact in South Sudan
The war also continues to impact security in South Sudan, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong told the Council.
Cross-border movements of 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, causing the economy to contract by almost 25 percent.
“Only after increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other facilities did oil production and transportation resume earlier this year,” he said.
However, subsequent RSF attacks on oil installations, which took place in May and August, “resulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.”
Support dialogue
In her briefing, Ms. Pobee noted that Sudan and South Sudan have indicated their openness to resuming contacts on Abyei.
Last month, the two countries announced plans to reactivate cooperation agreements focused on security and the economy.
As the African Union (AU) continues to play a critical role in facilitating engagement between the parties, UNIFSA will continue its close coordination with the organization, she said.
Mr. Cong also welcomed renewed efforts to revive Abyei’s political process and hopes to support the AU in this regard.
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
