South Sudan welcomes renewal of UNISFA mandate
November 15, 2022 (JUBA) – South Sudan has welcomed the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), vowing to support and cooperate with the world body in maintaining peace and security within the region.
The Security Council on Monday renewed the mandate of UNISFA for 12 months to enable it implement its mandate and tasks in accordance with the respective resolutions.
The Council also extended UNISFA’s mandate modification set forth in resolution 2024 (2011), providing its support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.
“We appreciate the work being done in Abyei by the United Nations interim security force for Abyei and as the government and the people of Abyei, the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations interim security force for Abyei represent an opportunity for the parties to continue to dialogue the final status of the area,” said South Sudan’s appointed Chief Administrator for Abyei, Kuol Deim Kuol.
He added, “The leadership of UNISFA will continue to get the same cooperation and support it has always received”.
South Sudan’s minister for East Africa Affairs, Deng Alor Kuol said renewal of the UNISFA’s mandate was consistent with conditions on the ground.
Kuol said the parties are preparing to begin the talks on the final status of Abyei.
“We went to Khartoum with the message of peace and cooperation on the final status of Abyei. President Salva [Kiir] and his brother [Abdel Fattah] Al-Burhan have pledged to work together to solve and address the issue of Abyei. We are working hard as the committee tasked by the president to ensure they succeed,” he stressed.
The Council said Abyei Area shall be demilitarized from any forces, including the armed elements of the local communities, and requested the Secretary-General to continue providing information on the progress in implementing the mission’s mandate.
The UNISFA was established in 2011 by the Security Council to monitor Abyei border.
(ST)