Sudan and South Sudan - Security Council, 9318th meeting

Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei (S/2023/305).

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 01:44:54
• Production Date: 9 May 2023
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Original; Russian; Spanish
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS INTERIM SECURITY FORCE FOR ABYEI - UNISFA
• Subject Topical: ARMED CONFLICTS; PEACE AND SECURITY; SOUTH SUDAN SITUATION
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN; SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3043463
• Parent Id: 3042788

Description

Warning that the recent outbreak of violence in Sudan could jeopardize its bilateral relations with South Sudan, speakers urged both countries to continue their positive engagement in working to resolve border security and development issues and reach an agreement on the final status of Abyei, during a Security Council briefing today on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, briefing the Council, said UNISFA is monitoring the potential impact of the fighting in the country, cautioning that “the outbreak of violence in the Sudan may deeply impact the chance for political progress on Abyei and border issues”.

The outbreak of fighting in Sudan also risks further complicating the already challenging humanitarian situation in Abyei, she pointed out.nbsp;

UNISFA’s reconfiguration into a United Nations multinational peacekeeping force is in its final stages, she said, noting that 3,078 military personnel have deployed.nbsp;

It is now more critical than ever to provide rule-of-law support to the people of Abyei, she stressed, calling for the Council’s support to that end.

Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, also briefing the Council, said the conflict that erupted in Sudan on 15 April between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces is not only having a devastating impact on the Sudanese population, but also affecting the bilateral relationship between Khartoum and Juba.nbsp;

The priority now is to stop the fighting and to start constructive negotiations, she stressed, recalling that recent high-level engagements have resulted in agreements to establish a security force along the borders of both countries, as well as joint patrols to stem the flow of arms and munition, and economic and technical agreements concerning oil transportation and export.nbsp;

During the ensuing debate, Council members echoed concerns about the violent conflict in Sudan and its impact on civilians and called on parties to cease hostilities.nbsp;

The meeting began at 10:03 a.m. and ended at 11:48 a.m.