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Sudan Tribune

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South Sudan and Sudan must work together to resolve Abyei’s political status: UK diplomat.

Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN (UN photo)

November 5, 2024 (NEW YORK) – Sudan and South Sudan must re-engage in dialogue towards the resolution of Abyei’s political status, a British diplomat told the United Nations Security Council on Monday.

Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN also expressed concerns over the lack of progress on a political solution for Abyei.

The diplomat, in his statement at the Security Council meeting on Abyei, underscored the importance of UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei’s (UNISFA) work in maintaining peace in a fragile region.

“We note that despite ongoing tensions, the SG’s report states that there have been no intercommunal clashes since April. This signals an improvement given the alarming number of serious security incidents reported earlier this year,” said Kariuki.

“We must ensure this positive trend continues. That means providing the necessary support for UNISFA so that it can fulfil its mandate,” he added.

The British diplomat further said it was important for the Government of South Sudan and the Sudanese authorities to remove obstacles to UNISFA’s operations.

“We call on the Sudanese authorities urgently to issue visas for UN civilian and police personnel to help UNISFA address increasing crime-related threats in Abyei,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the UK government re-iterated its calls on the leaders of South Sudan to withdraw the country military (SSPDF) from Abyei, saying these forces compromise Abyei’s demilitarized status and violate the 2011 Status of Forces Agreement.

It further noted with regret the impact of the Sudan conflict on the humanitarian and security situation in Abyei, amid concerns that around 24,000 refugees and returnees have arrived in Abyei since the outbreak of the conflict.

“We have also seen in the SG’s report credible evidence of arms proliferation which compromises the security of Abyei,” stressed Kariuki.

He added, “We urge the parties to open the Athony airstrip to facilitate humanitarian access and to enable UNISFA’s operations.”

The UK, Kariuki said, looks forward to engaging constructively on the upcoming mandate renewal for UNISFA, adding that the deteriorating conflict in Sudan and the challenges in South Sudan make the work of the mission more important than ever.

(ST)