On November 5, 2024, a UN briefing highlighted severe impacts from the ongoing Sudan conflict on regional stability, humanitarian crises, and the operation of UNISFA. Growing security issues in South Sudan and refugee influxes from Sudan have strained resources and challenge peace efforts. Urgent calls were made for enhanced support for UNISFA to effectively carry out its mandate amidst complicated political dialogues concerning Abyei and border disputes.
On November 5, 2024, Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, addressed the UN Security Council regarding the deteriorating situation in Sudan and South Sudan. She emphasized that ongoing conflict in Sudan severely undermines political discussions concerning behalf of issues surrounding Abyei and border demarcations between the two nations. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has faced calls for enhanced support as its mandate nears expiration on November 14. Ms. Pobee reported that the conflict in Sudan continues to impact security and humanitarian conditions in both countries, particularly affecting the Abyei region. South Sudan’s ongoing insecurity disrupts oil production and exacerbates economic distress, while hundreds of thousands of refugees from Sudan seek shelter in South Sudan under dire circumstances marked by inadequate access to essential resources such as food and water. She highlighted a significant arms proliferation in Abyei and reported recent incursions by Rapid Support Forces combatants, which have intensified local tensions between ethnic communities. Moreover, the Assistant Secretary-General noted the adverse effects of climate-related challenges, including flooding, which have displaced over 18,000 individuals in Abyei. The continued armed conflict between Sudanese forces represents a threat to stability across the Horn of Africa. Ms. Pobee underscored that progress toward the resolution of issues concerning Abyei and border disputes is heavily contingent on ending hostilities in Sudan, which has entered its nineteenth month. In terms of UNISFA’s operations, she reported a lack of progress in facilitating discussions between the two nations about Abyei; however, UNISFA remains proactive in monitoring the situation and preparing for renewed diplomatic efforts. The mission strives to bolster local reconciliation efforts that have, to date, prevented direct clashes between conflicting communities. Nonetheless, Ms. Pobee raised alarms regarding South Sudanese military presence in Abyei, which contravenes existing agreements and hampers UNISFA’s operational freedom. The Assistant Secretary-General called for renewed collaboration between UNISFA and South Sudanese authorities to restore stability in Abyei and to enable the deployment of UN police to uphold the rule of law, which is increasingly critical in the wake of intensified needs following the influx of displaced persons. Ms. Pobee urged the Security Council to support UNISFA in this complex and demanding environment, ensuring that the mission can effectively fulfill its mandate and contribute to peace in Abyei.
The situation in Sudan and South Sudan has long been marred by conflict and instability, particularly surrounding the disputed Abyei region. This area is of significant strategic importance and has been the focus of tensions related to borders and governance. Recent escalations in armed conflict, particularly between the Sudanese Armed Forces and various militia groups, have exacerbated humanitarian crises and security disturbances in both Sudan and South Sudan, especially impacting refugee populations and local communities. UNISFA aims to monitor and support peace efforts in this challenging context, but it faces resource constraints and operational challenges due to ongoing violence and political disagreements.
In summary, the security and humanitarian crises unfolding in Sudan and South Sudan have severe ramifications on the region, particularly regarding the Abyei dispute. The UN is intensifying calls for support to the UNISFA amidst these challenges, emphasizing the need for cooperative dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions. Ms. Pobee’s briefing underlines the urgency of enhancing support for peacekeeping missions and addressing the root causes of conflict to enable effective political dialogue and enduring stability in the region.
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