UN Security Council Briefing: Sudan, South Sudan, and Abyei Political & Security Challenges

Abyei Status and Stalled Political Processes

• 📌 The political process between Sudan and South Sudan regarding Abyei and border issues remains stalled since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023.
• 💡 Both parties have expressed openness to resuming dialogue on Abyei, with support from the UN and African Union, following a visit by the South Sudanese Foreign Minister.
• 🤝 South Sudan has reconstituted a committee to pursue dialogue on Abyei, signaling a move towards reactivating cooperation agreements.

Security Concerns and Armed Actor Presence in Abyei

• ⚠️ An increased presence of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) elements in northern Abyei has led to elevated crime rates and illegal checkpoints.
• 🚨 RSF elements have arbitrarily arrested local residents and officials, prompting calls for their immediate release.
• ⚖️ South Sudanese security forces are also present in southern Abyei, violating the demilitarized status, and clashes have occurred, leading to civilians seeking refuge.
• 🚫 There are urgent calls for the withdrawal of all armed forces and actors from Abyei to uphold its weapon-free status.

Humanitarian and Economic Hardship

• 💸 The ongoing war in Sudan and displacement of people are causing economic hardship for Abyei's population.
• 📉 Funding challenges have impacted humanitarian support, forcing organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization to cease operations and the World Food Programme to reduce its footprint.
• 🆘 The heightened humanitarian needs and lack of basic services underscore the importance of joint UN programs for peaceful coexistence in Abyei.

UNISFA Mission Operations and Challenges

• 🗺️ The operational environment for UNISFA in Kadugli, Sudan, has become untenable due to armed groups and drone strikes, necessitating a reduction of presence.
• ✈️ RSF drone strikes against SAF have adversely affected UNISFA's air operations, impacting its ability to resupply and operate safely.
• 👮‍♂️ The mission is enhancing efforts in Amil market by combining military, police, and civilian capacities, and reiterates the urgent request for formed police units.

Peacebuilding and Future Outlook

• 🕊️ UN Police assist community-based mechanisms for rule of law functions in the absence of the Abyei police service.
• 🚺 Women's participation in conflict management and peacebuilding is a high priority, with notable success in a post-migration conference and the establishment of a joint women's committee.
• 📉 UNISFA faces a 15% expenditure reduction due to liquidity issues, which will impact mandate implementation, personnel, and programmatic activities.