The United States has issued a stern warning regarding the potential renewal of the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei, a region straddling the contested border between Sudan and South Sudan. During a UN Security Council meeting, the US ambassador outlined the conditions necessary for Washington’s support, emphasizing the need for both nations to adhere to their commitments under the 2011 peace agreement.
Ambassador Mike Waltz acknowledged the profound internal challenges both Sudan and South Sudan are currently facing amid instability and conflict. However, he stressed that this turmoil does not excuse the authorities from fulfilling their obligations outlined in the peace deal that marked South Sudan’s independence.
To gain US backing for the continuation of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), which is set to expire on November 15, the ambassador underscored the urgency for both governments to take concrete steps. Key requirements include establishing Abyei as a demilitarized zone, setting up temporary administrative and security measures such as a joint police force, and making definitive decisions regarding the region’s status, which has remained a point of contention since 2011.
Abyei has witnessed persistent clashes in its oil-rich territory, raising concerns among UN officials about the presence of South Sudanese forces alongside Sudanese paramilitaries, particularly the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have been embroiled in a power struggle since the beginning of 2023.
Waltz highlighted the prolonged wait of the Abyei populace for the establishment of necessary administrative and security frameworks, including a joint police service. He voiced serious concerns that the failure of both countries to act on their commitments not only undermines the peace agreement but also jeopardizes the future support of the US for UNISFA.
The ambassador’s comments come as the Biden administration has adopted a more critical stance towards the United Nations, particularly in its peacekeeping operations. Since the beginning of the year, there has been a marked reduction in US contributions to the UN peacekeeping budget, alongside efforts to leverage veto power within the Security Council to reshape other peacekeeping mandates in different regions.
Looking ahead, the situation in Abyei remains precarious, and the international community will be watching closely to see if Sudan and South Sudan will meet Washington’s expectations to ensure stability not only in Abyei but across the broader region.
