Security Council renews mandate of UN peacekeepers in Abyei

December 15, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations Security Council extended on Tuesday for another five months its interim peacekeeping force in Abyei, calling on Sudan and South Sudan to swiftly resume regular meetings to resolve the final status of the region.

“Continued cooperation between the Government of Sudan and Government of South Sudan is also critical for peace, security and stability and the future relations between them,” the 15-member world body said in a resolution.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) currently consists of a 4,500 strong force.

The force was set up by the Council in June 2011 after the outbreak of violence when Sudanese troops took control of the disputed area shortly before South Sudan became independent. The force is tasked with overseeing demilitarisation and maintain security.

The Council said aid delivery to all affected populations be a priority, and demanded that all parties allow all humanitarian personnel full, safe and unhindered access to civilians.

It also acknowledged UNISFA’s protection of civilians mandate, citing it’s roles in protecting civilians under imminent threat of physical violence, among other problems.

The Council also condemned the intermittent presence of security forces from both sides in Abyei, saying UNISFA may undertake weapons confiscation and destruction, voicing “grave concern at the threat to peace and security in Abyei arising from the illicit transfer, destabilizing accumulation and misuse of small arms and light weapons.”

(ST)