The United Kingdom urged Sudan and South Sudan to withdraw unauthorized forces, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), from Abyei amid renewed concern over civilian safety and stalled political talks.
UK Ambassador Kate Foster, the UK’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, delivered the call to the Security Council on Nov. 5. The UK said unauthorized forces in Abyei violate the area’s demilitarized status, whose final status remains unsettled between the two countries.
Foster linked the security concerns to drone attacks near Amiet Market and Todach on Oct. 19, saying civilians were killed or wounded and thousands were displaced. Her statement also condemned sexual and gender-based violence, including against children, and cited continuing barriers to justice and accountability. The UK called on all parties to comply with international law, protect civilians and allow humanitarian aid to reach the area safely and without obstruction.
Amiet Market has faced violence before. After separate fighting there on Sept. 15, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) reported 26 people killed and 82 injured in its Sept. 16 count.
Foster said UNISFA was vital to stability in Abyei and noted progress toward deploying its first Formed Police Unit and naming a civilian deputy head of mission. She said Sudan and South Sudan must provide the mission with the access and support it needs to carry out its work.
The Joint Political and Security Mechanism between the two countries has resumed after more than three years, Foster said, but key issues remain. She urged the governments to address governance arrangements, resolve their disagreement over Abyei’s possible inclusion in South Sudan’s December elections, and make progress on the area’s future status. She also called on both sides to meet their commitments and avoid unilateral actions that could increase instability.
South Sudan summoned Sudan’s ambassador over the Oct. 19 attack, as EconoTimes previously reported on the diplomatic response.
