Juba-Khartoum Tensions Rise over Oil-rich Abyei Dickens H Okello The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) is helping to keep the peace. Photo: IRIN/Hannah McNeish The Security Council has extended the United Nations peacekeeping force in Abyei – a resource-rich area contested by Sudan and South Sudan, Chimp Corps report. UN said this is part of the Organization’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians there. The resolution was adopted by the 15-member body in a unanimous vote on Tuesday. The development comes at a time when South Sudan President Salva Kiir is planning to travel to Khartoum to meet his Sudan counterpart, Omar Bashir over the oil-rich town. Sudan recently announced that Abyei would participate as a constituency in her national elections, a move that sparked fury in Juba. The mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was extended until 28 February 2015. The force, set up by the Council in June 2011 following an outbreak of violence after Sudanese troops took control of the oil-rich area in the weeks before South Sudan became independent, is tasked with overseeing the demilitarization of the area and maintaining security. Among other measures, the Council reiterated its demand that Sudan and South Sudan immediately resume the work of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) “to ensure steady progress” on the implementation of the June 2011 Agreement, which provides for temporary administrative arrangements for Abyei and the withdrawal of troops by both sides. In addition, the Council also reiterated its demand that both Sudan and South Sudan “urgently commence” the establishment of the Abyei Area Administration and Council in order to form an Abyei Police Service with a mandate to take over policing functions in the area, including the protection of oil infrastructure.
Posted on: Wed, 15 Oct 2014 17:06:53 +0000