The United Nations Security Council convened Thursday to review the situations in Sudan and South Sudan, with a primary focus on fostering long-term peace and stability in Abyei, a disputed area between the two neighboring countries.
UN officials said at the meeting that Sudan and South Sudan will hold their first formal talks in many years, and that the support of regional organizations and the international community is crucial for achieving a political settlement to the dispute in the future.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee told the meeting that due to the conflict in Sudan and the unstable situation in South Sudan, the security situation in Abyei has continued to deteriorate over the past six months. A drone attack in December last year claimed the lives of six peacekeepers, she said.
South Sudan has sent a letter to the UN requesting the arrangement of a joint meeting with Sudan, said Pobee.
"Both governments have now also informed the UN of the focal points for this endeavor, which allows us to take the next steps towards supporting the parties in organizing the next JPSM (Joint Political and Security Mechanism) meeting. This would be the first time that the governments of South Sudan and Sudan come together formally to discuss joint border-related matters in several years. IBA (Interim Boundaries of the Abyei Area) remains at a critical juncture. UNISFA (United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei) continues to protect civilians and prevent escalation, but it cannot be a substitute for political resolve. Progress requires the resumption of bilateral mechanisms, the withdrawal of all unauthorized forces, the establishment of the Abyei police service and renewed support from the African Union and the international community," said Pobee.
In June 2011, the UN Security Council decided to establish the UNISFA to oversee the withdrawal of the two countries' troops from the Abyei area. Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at the meeting that China supports the continued effective deployment and performance of duties by the UNISFA and is willing to work with all parties to play a constructive role in peace, stability and the political process in Abyei.
"China welcomes the UNISFA and the UN country teams in Sudan and South Sudan to implement the joint program for Abyei, which aims to help the people of the area cope with the humanitarian crisis, achieve sustainable development, and break free from the cycle of violence through refugee resettlement, quick-fix projects and capacity building," said Fu.
UN Security Council reviews peace, stability efforts in Abyei
