Security Council extends mandate of UN mission in Abyei
November 14, 2024 (NEW YORK) – The Security Council on Thursday extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) until 15 November 2025.
14 nations voted in favor of Resolution 2760 (2024) with Russia abstaining.
The Council also extended UNISFA’s originally authorized tasks until mid-November next year.
The Council further decided to extend until that date UNISFA’s mandate modification, which provides for the force’s support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.
Meanwhile the 15-member Council strongly urged “the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities” to provide full support to UNISFA in implementation of its mandate; provide prompt, full deployment of its personnel and equipment; ensure the Force’s full freedom of movement; and facilitate UNISFA’s uninterrupted provision of food, medicine and other supplies to its personnel.
The Council also urged stronger cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan in support of peace, security and stability, calling for a resumption of Joint Political and Security Mechanism meetings.
UNISFA’s protection of civilian mandate was acknowledged by the Security Council, stressing that the mission’s protection-of-civilians mandate includes taking the necessary actions to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence “irrespective of the source of such violence”.
The Council condemned “in the strongest terms” the presence of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other South Sudan security service personnel expanding their deployments in Abyei.
It thus called for the immediate redeployment of such personnel and without preconditions.
The Council urged “the relevant authorities of both Sudan and South Sudan” to take all necessary steps to ensure that Abyei is effectively demilitarized and reaffirmed that UNISFA may undertake weapons confiscation and destruction in the Abyei area consistent with its mandate and within its existing capabilities.
Further, the organ demanded that all parties involved allow all humanitarian personnel full, safe and unhindered access to civilians in need of assistance.
Through the resolution, the Council also requested that the Secretary-General provide analysis, strategic assessment and frank advice to the organ to describe UNISFA’s impact and facilitate, as necessary, a re-evaluation of the Force’s composition and mandate based on realities on the ground.
(ST)