UNITED NATIONS, Nov 06 (APP): Pakistan Wednesday called on both Sudan and its neighbour, South Sudan, to re-engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve long-standing issues, particularly on the final status of Abyei — the disputed area along the border between the two countries.
“The situation in Abyei remains fragile,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, deputy permanent representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council, as he urged robust support for the UN Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) ahead of its expiration on 15 November.
The civil war in Sudan and internal challenges in neighbouring South Sudan continue to stall progress in political dialogue between them, he said.
“Pakistan joins others in urging both Sudan and South Sudan to re-engage in meaningful dialogue, as this remains the only sustainable pathway toward resolving this long-standing issue,” Ambassador Jadoon said, while underscoring that Abyei must remain a demilitarized and weapons-free zone.
South Sudanese security forces continued presence in southern Abyei, he said, violates the 2011 Agreement and undermines UNISFA’s mandate, and the increased presence of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sector North had further destabilized the situation.
“We call for the withdrawal of all unauthorized armed elements, unimpeded freedom of movement for UNISFA, and the immediate return of UN property,” the Pakistani envoy said.
At the same time, Ambassador Jadoon recognized positive progress at the community level through UNISFA’s facilitation of pre- and post-migration conferences and peace dialogues, as he highlighted the Pakistani contingent’s deep involvement in these community engagements.
“The international community should sustain these reconciliation and livelihood programmes through predictable funding for the Joint Programme for Abyei, which remains central to peacebuilding and resilience.”
The Pakistani envy also voiced concern over the financial situation facing UNISFA, citing unpaid assessed contributions exceeding $138 million.
Pointing out that risks are “stark” in UNISFA’s absence, he called on all member states to pay fully and on time.
“The Council cannot shy away from its primary responsibility citing financial crisis,” Ambassador Jadoon said.
At the outset of the debate, two senior UN officials briefed the Council on developments concerning the fertile strip of territory and the peacekeeping mission there, UNISFA, whose mandate includes monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces from the oil-rich region, in line with thre 2011 agreement.
Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, said the political process remains stalled, which has been the case since the Sudan war broke out.
Although there have been movements towards dialogue, “considerable challenges remain in achieving progress on the final status of Abyei.” They include dynamics related to the conflict in Sudan and political uncertainty in South Sudan.
She noted that the recent strategic review of UNISFA – which the Council requested last November – “outlined a reinvigorated political role for the Mission, which stands ready to provide support to the parties as they plan a resumption of talks.”
Meanwhile, UNISFA has continued to report an increased presence of RSF elements and associated individuals in northern Abyei.
This has contributed to elevated crime rates, particularly in Amiet Market, a popular trading hub for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities.
The fighting is putting peacekeepers at risk and “the situation has become more dire with a surge in targeted drone strikes” by the RSF, which has had an adverse effect on UNISFA’s air operations.
Furthermore, the Sudan conflict and the continued influx of displaced people continue to create economic hardship in Abyei, and the mission has had to facilitate activities by humanitarians assisting the population.
The war also continues to impact security in South Sudan, UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, told the 15-member Council.
Cross-border movements by armed groups on both sides have led to increased insecurity in and around the border area.
The war and the deterioration in security are also affecting South Sudan’s primary source of revenue as oil flow and exports through Sudan have been significantly disrupted, resulting in a nearly 25 per cent contraction in the economy.
“Only after increased bilateral engagement and new arrangements to improve security along the pipeline route and other installations, oil production and transportation resumed early this year,” he said.
However, subsequent RSF attacks on oil installations that took place in May and August “resulted in oil spills, environmental damage and led to an emergency shutdown of operations.”