United Nations Security Council

04/26/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/26/2021 16:37

Security Council: Sudan and South Sudan

Owing to the liquidity crisis and the current COVID-19 pandemic impacting our Organization, only a partial summary of today's meeting of the Security Council on Sudan and South Sudan is available at this time. The complete summary will be issued later as Press Release SC/14505.

The representative of the United States welcomed recent progress, but said he remains deeply concerned about the volatile security situation. Expressing regret that tensions prevented the joint meeting to discuss UNISFA, he cautioned that until Sudan and South Sudan agree on the final status of Abyei, both must abide by the Juba Agreement's provisions on protecting civilians and should continue to take steps to that end, such as establishing a joint police service. Voicing further concern about obstacles to fulfilling UNIFSA's civilian-protection mandate, he emphasized that those issues must be addressed immediately. He went on to commend UNIFSA's efforts to promote the role of women in community dialogue and decision-making while protecting them against violence. He called upon the international community to provide humanitarian assistance for both communities in Abyei, and asked the local authorities to do their part, saying he also looks forward to leadership and engagement on the part of the African Union. Noting that warming relations between Sudan and South Sudan resulted in the recent relative calm, he stressed that now is the time to draft a sustainable long-term solution to outstanding issues.

The representative of Kenya, speaking also on behalf of Niger, Tunisia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - known informally as the 'A3+1' - commended continued efforts by the African Union, neighbouring States and leaders, UNISFA and the Special Envoy, in advancing the quest for peace and security in Abyei. Indeed, UNISFA and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism constitute an anchor of stability along the border between South Sudan and Sudan, he said. Despite gains, more progress clearly must be made towards determining Abyei's final status and advancing the political process, he emphasized. The establishment of temporary administration institutions remains a work in progress, leaving UNISFA with the bulk of the responsibility for the functional administration of Abyei, including the maintenance of law and order, he noted.

He urged Sudan and South Sudan to leverage their relations to take concrete steps towards full and urgent implementation of the remaining political processes in determining Abyei's final status. Further, both countries should avoid taking any unilateral actions that could undermine security and political stability, and prioritize the safety and security of the area's people. Commending local leaders who have demonstrated commitment to promoting women's participation in local peace processes, including in the civic space, he stressed the imperative of enhancing their role in decision-making. He went on to underline that the Security Council and international partners must continue to offer meaningful and sustainable support to Sudan and South Sudan with a view to resolving the Abyei issue. In that regard, he urged the African Union and the United Nations to continue to extend the required diplomatic and political support, as well as the technical assistance that will help implementation of the framework agreement.

The representative of the Russian Federation expressed concern over the assessment in the Secretary-General's report that the situation remains tense and unpredictable. She cited continued intercommunal tensions, high crime levels and incidents along the main supply route as evidence that the presence of United Nations 'blue helmets' remains necessary. Emphasizing that joint efforts are required to resolve Abyei's problems, she said her delegation is encouraged by the improved bilateral between Khartoum and Juba, evidence that 'the African solutions to African problems formula is working'. Meetings between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities generate optimism, she added. Describing the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism as an integral element in preventing incidents, she also noted that UNISFA's support contributes to the security architecture. Still, the Secretary-General reported relatively modest results on benchmarks, somewhat due to COVID-19 restrictions, she pointed out, emphasizing that the only logical step is to extend UNISFA's mandate, including the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

The representative of France said that only settlement of Abyei's final status can lead to an evolution of UNISFA's mandate. Welcoming the rapprochement between Sudan and South Sudan, she expressed regret, however, at the lack of progress in the political process. Despite a meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism in October 2020, the same topics remain unresolved, she said, adding that the absence of a local governance body impedes the resolution of disputes, while the work of UNISFA is itself hampered by the lack of cooperation from Sudan and South Sudan. She stressed that dialogue at the local level and the establishment of joint administrations for Abyei are essential. Citing the deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan and Ethiopia, she warned that food insecurity is reaching dangerous levels, underlining that it is essential to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all in need, including the internally displaced and refugees. She called upon both sides to respect international humanitarian law.

The representative of India, recalling his delegation's involvement in the effort to create UNISFA in 2011, expressed concern that Abyei's status remains unsettled. Peaceful resolution, in conformity with the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, remains fundamental to durable peace between Sudan and South Sudan, he emphasized, pointing out that, despite their tense relations, the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities have responded to UNISFA's efforts to resume the peace process, even amid pandemic-related challenges. The Council must encourage both sides to continue their efforts in the coming months, he said. As for the security situation, he said the attacks against UNISFA troops and the WFP convoy, as well as increasing violent incidents involving the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities are a matter of concern and the mission must take adequate measures to ensure the safety of peacekeepers. The humanitarian situation also remains challenging, particularly in the context of COVID-19, he said. Regarding UNISFA's operational issues, he called upon both Sudan and South Sudan to facilitate the issuance of visas for police personnel, agree on a civilian deputy head of mission, and make the Anthony airstrip operational. Noting the lack of consensus reflected in the Secretary-General's 'drawdown of UNISFA' report after intensive regional consultations with Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia, he said a final decision should be deferred for the time being.

The representative of Mexico, emphasizing that dialogue remains the only path forward, said recent gains should translate into a political solution on Abyei's status. Unfortunately, no progress has been made on intercommunal dialogue to resolve several issues, he noted. Expressing concern about the blocking of a WFP food convoy, he urged Sudan and South Sudan to guarantee access, which is critical to more than 220,000 people amid pandemic-related shortages. Local authorities must tackle the main humanitarian challenges, including mine action and the protection of women and children, he said. Applauding the decision by the Ngok Dinka elders to include women in dialogue, he said their participation should extend to the political and peace processes. The ultimate goal is agreement on Abyei's final status, he said, underscoring the important work of the Special Envoy, UNISFA and the African Union in that regard.

The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the continued improvements in bilateral relations between Sudan and South Sudan, evidenced by the first official visit to Juba by the former's Foreign Minister. Also commending South Sudan's facilitation of upcoming negotiations, she expressed disappointment, however, that high-level engagement between the two Governments on Abyei's final status and border demarcation has yet to be realized in any meaningful way on the ground, where the security situation remains unpredictable and affects the daily lives of ordinary people. While applauding UNISFA's efforts in removing explosive hazards, facilitating intercommunal dialogue and promoting women's empowerment, she expressed regret that the mission continues to face operational challenges in fulfilling its mandate. There is limited progress made on the Council's repeated requests to make the Anthony airstrip operational and appoint a civilian deputy head of mission, she noted, calling upon both Governments to facilitate the removal of operational obstacles. She went on to caution that wider regional tensions could have an impact on Abyei, while citing the positive participation of Sudan, South Sudan and Ethiopia in today's meeting and expressing hope that regional tensions can be resolved through dialogue.

The representative of Estonia urged Sudan and South Sudan to use their newly strengthened relations to facilitate progress towards resolving the question of Abyei, emphasizing the particular importance of that task given the heightened tensions in the wider Horn of Africa. He called upon both to agree on the appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission, saying that would significantly help the political process. Expressing concern over violence and criminality, including the recent trend of attacks against United Nations troops and contractors, he called for decisive action, including expediting the deployment of UNISFA's police component, and joint investigations into the deadly incidents of violence. Human rights expertise, including enhanced child-protection capacities, must also be deployed to UNISFA, he emphasized. While its mandate should be extended for the next six months, a discussion is needed on how the United Nations can be most helpful given the current realities of the Abyei question, he said, declaring: 'The Abyei people deserve better than the current status quo.'

The representative of Norway pointed out that Abyei is a contested area with a very troubled past, and UNISFA, with its strong and clear mandate, is needed until the two countries agree on all pending issues. A sustainable solution must also consider the views of the local populations, she added. Abyei could potentially showcase the recent building of relations between Sudan and South Sudan, marked by increased trade, development, peaceful coexistence and, most notably, the Juba Peace Agreement, she noted. Unfortunately, those positive developments are not reflected in the situation on the ground, she said, cautioning that tensions between Ethiopia and Sudan may have adverse effects on UNISFA and the security situation. The combination of potential conflict in Abyei and a possible security vacuum due to a sudden exit by Ethiopian troops is cause for serious concern, she emphasized, encouraging the Council to reconfirm its commitment to UNISFA at the present critical time. UNISFA plays an invaluable role in providing security and stability in Abyei and in building intercommunal dialogue and trust while including women in those efforts, she said. For the mission to deliver effectively on its mandate, she added, it is critical that outstanding visas are issued for its formed police units, the Anthony airstrip is operationalized, and the deployment of a civilian deputy head of mission is approved. She also urged Sudan and South Sudan to permit the deployment of human rights expertise and convene the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee without delay, urging the latter to nominate personnel to the joint police service. A long-term and sustainable solution to the status of Abyei cannot be found without the political will and courage of both countries, she said, encouraging their leaders to seize the opportunity of their close and friendly relations to craft an agreement on Abyei's final status.

The representative of China said the stable situation and the progress on the political process must advance. Both sides must engage in talks and establish joint institutions with all speed, he emphasized. In addition, positive intercommunal relations are imperative to safeguarding the rights of both Abyei communities. At the same time, humanitarian aid holds the key to resolving the current crisis, which has been exacerbated by COVID-19, he noted, adding that the international community must provide assistance to help the Abyei communities fight the pandemic and address their humanitarian needs. He went on to encourage the provision of adequate resources to enable UNISFA to discharge its mandate.

The representative of Ireland said it is time to ensure the protection and security of Abyei's people and their access to basic public services, and for political engagement in establishing joint interim institutions such as the Abyei Police. Positive signs at the local level, with both the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities taking part in the February 2021 Peace Conference, 'show that on the ground, progress is possible', she noted. Welcoming the participation of women from both sides in that forum, she declared: 'It was powerful to see that they crossed community lines in order to stand together to denounce violence and call for peace.' While applauding Ethiopia's contribution to UNISFA, she noted that relations between Ethiopia and Sudan are at a sensitive moment, urging calm and restraint. She echoed calls for the appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission, and for Sudan to grant outstanding visa requests for United Nations police personnel, pointing out that they currently operate with less than 8 per cent of its authorized strength. Similarly, the Anthony airstrip, which is crucial for medical evacuations, must be operationalized, she emphasized.

The representative of Viet Nam, Council President for April, spoke in his national capacity, saying that continued rapprochement has created a window of opportunity for Sudan and South Sudan. He called upon both to engage actively in resolving the Abyei question by peaceful means. Further concrete progress must also be made on benchmarks for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, he said. Although Abyei has been relatively calm in the past months, continued intercommunal violence, crime and the activities of unidentified armed groups are cause for concern, he noted. Emphasizing that UNISFA's presence will continue to be essential in maintaining stability, he said that enhancing its ability to fulfil its mandate remains 'one of our top priorities, including the need to ensure the safety and security of its personnel'. Addressing the humanitarian impact of COVID-19, he called upon the two Governments to continue to ensure unhindered access to assistance. He went on to commend the efforts of UNISFA, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) and partners in facilitating mine clearance during the past months, noting that 331,783 square metres of land and 674 kilometres of roads are now marked as safe.

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