Pakistan Wednesday called on both Sudan and its neighbour, South Sudan, to re-engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues, particularly on the final status of Abyei \u2014 the disputed area along the border between the two countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation in Abyei remains fragile,\u201d Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council, as he urged robust support for the UN Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) ahead of its expiration on 15 November.<\/p>\n
The civil war in Sudan and internal challenges in neighbouring South Sudan continue to stall progress in political dialogue between them, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPakistan joins others in urging both Sudan and South Sudan to re-engage in meaningful dialogue, as this remains the only sustainable pathway toward resolving this long-standing issue,\u201d Ambassador Jadoon said, while underscoring that Abyei must remain a demilitarized and weapons-free zone.<\/p>\n
South Sudanese security forces continued presence in southern Abyei, he said, violates the 2011 Agreement and undermines UNISFA\u2019s mandate, and the increased presence of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sector North had further destabilized the situation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe call for the withdrawal of all unauthorized armed elements, unimpeded freedom of movement for UNISFA, and the immediate return of UN property,\u201d the Pakistani envoy said.<\/p>\n
At the same time, Ambassador Jadoon recognized positive progress at the community level through UNISFA\u2019s facilitation of pre- and post-migration conferences and peace dialogues, as he highlighted the Pakistani contingent\u2019s deep involvement in these community engagements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe international community should sustain these reconciliation and livelihood programmes through predictable funding for the Joint Programme for Abyei, which remains central to peacebuilding and resilience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Pakistani envy also voiced concern over the financial situation facing UNISFA, citing unpaid assessed contributions exceeding $138 million.<\/p>\n
Pointing out that risks are \u201cstark\u201d in UNISFA\u2019s absence, he called on all member states to pay fully and on time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Council cannot shy away from its primary responsibility citing financial crisis,\u201d Ambassador Jadoon said.<\/p>\n
At the outset of the debate, 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 thre 2011 agreement.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Although there have been movements towards dialogue, \u201cconsiderable challenges remain in achieving progress on the final status of Abyei.\u201d They include dynamics related to the conflict in Sudan and political uncertainty in South Sudan.<\/p>\n
She noted that the recent strategic review of UNISFA \u2013 which the Council requested last November \u2013 \u201coutlined a reinvigorated political role for the Mission, which stands ready to provide support to the parties as they plan a resumption of talks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, UNISFA has continued to report an increased presence of RSF elements and associated individuals in northern Abyei.<\/p>\n
This has contributed to elevated crime rates, particularly in Amiet Market, a popular trading hub for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.<\/p>\n
The fighting is putting peacekeepers at risk and \u201cthe situation has become more dire with a surge in targeted drone strikes\u201d by the RSF, which has had an adverse effect on UNISFA\u2019s air operations.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, the Sudan conflict and the continued influx of displaced people continue to create economic hardship in Abyei, and the mission has had to facilitate activities by humanitarians assisting the population.<\/p>\n
The war also continues to impact security in South Sudan, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, told the 15-member Council.<\/p>\n
Cross-border movements by armed groups on both sides have led to increased insecurity in and around the border area.<\/p>\n
The war and the deterioration in security are also affecting South Sudan\u2019s primary source of revenue as oil flow and exports through Sudan have been significantly disrupted, resulting in a nearly 25 per cent contraction in the economy.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly after increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other installations, oil production and transportation resumed early this year,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, subsequent RSF attacks on oil installations that took place in May and August \u201cresulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Pakistan Wednesday called on both Sudan and its neighbour, South Sudan, to re-engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues, particularly on the final status of Abyei \u2014 the disputed area along the border between the two countries. \u201cThe situation in Abyei remains fragile,\u201d Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":512901,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-512890","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n