Relations between the neighbouring countries remain deeply affected by the war in Sudan, where the national army and former allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been battling for power since April 2023.
Two senior UN officials briefed the Council on developments concerning the fertile strip of territory and the peacekeeping mission there, UNISFA, whose mandate includes monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces from the oil-rich region, in line with a 2011 agreement.
Political process stalled
Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, said the political process remains stalled, which has been the case since the Sudan war broke out.
Although there have been movements towards dialogue, “considerable challenges remain in achieving progress on the final status of Abyei.” They include dynamics related to the conflict in Sudan and political uncertainty in South Sudan.
She noted that the recent strategic review of UNISFA – which the Council requested last November – “outlined a reinvigorated political role for the Mission, which stands ready to provide support to the parties as they plan a resumption of talks.”
RSF presence and communal tensions
Meanwhile, UNISFA has continued to report an increased presence of RSF elements and associated individuals in northern Abyei.
This has contributed to elevated crime rates, particularly in Amiet Market, a popular trading hub 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,” said Ms. Pobee, pointing to illegal checkpoints set up by the RSF and other armed groups.
“UNISFA has had no choice but to engage regularly with armed actors present in the area to facilitate their removal, remind them that their presence in the Abyei Administrative Area is contrary to the demilitarized and weapon-free status of Abyei, and prevent their return.”
Furthermore, South Sudanese security forces also continue to be present in southern Abyei, another violation.
“I reiterate the call for the immediate withdrawal of all armed forces and other armed actors from Abyei, in conformity with the weapon-free status of Abyei,” she said.
