UNSC extends peacekeepers’ mandate in Abyei

May 15, 2015 (WASHINGTON) – The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Friday extended for six months the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), a disputed oil-producing region contested by Sudan and South Sudan.

UNISFA has 4,500 uniformed personnel, including troops, military observers and police, but is mandated by the Council to have 5,826 personnel, including military and the police.

Deployment of more forces would depend on the progress of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

The 15-member body urged all parties to cease all forms of violence, human rights violations and abuses and demanded for safe humanitarian access to civilians.

The UN force in Abyei was mandated to offer security in the region after South Sudan broke away from Sudan in 2011.

The Security Council stressed that the two Sudans should urgently form the Abyei Area Administration and a Council.

Meanwhile Sudan’s ambassador to the UN, Omer Dahab Fadul, welcomed the Security Council’s resolution, citing the positive role played by the UN force in Abyei.

(ST)