UN Security Council Briefing on Sudan and South Sudan Conflict Status

On November 5, 2024, UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee briefed the Security Council on the severe impact of the Sudan conflict on South Sudan and Abyei. She highlighted the deterioration in security, humanitarian conditions, and the need for support for UNISFA as its mandate nears expiration. The ongoing conflict complicates peace efforts and exacerbates regional instability.

On November 5, 2024, Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa within the UN’s Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, delivered a briefing to the UN Security Council regarding the ongoing conflicts in Sudan and political instability in South Sudan. She noted that these issues have significantly hampered progress on fundamental political dialogues concerning the final status of Abyei and unresolved border disputes. Security Council members reiterated their support for the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) as its mandate approaches expiration on November 14. Ms. Pobee reported that the violence in Sudan continues to severely impact both security and humanitarian conditions in the region, notably affecting Abyei. In South Sudan, escalating insecurity has disrupted oil production, exacerbating the nation’s economic struggles. Furthermore, the influx of Sudanese refugees into South Sudan has intensified the humanitarian crisis, as displaced individuals face dire living conditions, including scarcity of clean water, food, and healthcare. Recent incidents of violence, including a reported incursion by Rapid Support Forces in the Abyei area, have further destabilized South Sudan and heightened tensions between local communities. The prolonged conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which has lasted nearly nineteen months, poses substantial risks not only to Sudan but also to the broader Horn of Africa and Sahel regions. Ms. Pobee emphasized that the success of resolution 2046 (2012) is contingent upon finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Sudan. Despite the lack of progress in 2024 regarding dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan, UNISFA remains committed to monitoring conditions that may lead to renewed discussions and is attempting to revive the Joint Political and Security Mechanism. Moreover, Ms. Pobee expressed concern over the presence of South Sudanese security forces in Abyei, which violates established agreements and restricts UNISFA’s operational capacity. The increase in crime that has accompanied the arrival of displaced persons from Sudan emphasizes the urgent need for enhanced support for UNISFA’s police deployment to restore law and order in the increasingly strained environment of Abyei. In conclusion, the myriad of issues stemming from the conflict in Sudan and South Sudan underscores the necessity for a robust international response. Ms. Pobee’s briefing highlights the urgent need for the Security Council and the international community to support UNISFA and facilitate stability in Abyei and beyond.

The situation in Sudan and South Sudan has long been characterized by conflict and instability, especially concerning the Abyei region, which remains contested between the two nations. The UN has been actively involved in mediating and addressing ongoing tensions and humanitarian crises arising from the conflicts. The UNISFA was established to help maintain peace and security in Abyei, but it faces challenges, particularly with the increased influx of displaced individuals from the ongoing war in Sudan and the logistical limitations imposed by local security dynamics. Improving cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan is vital for the region’s peace process and humanitarian efforts.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, coupled with the political instability in South Sudan, poses a significant threat to regional security and humanitarian stability. The briefing by Ms. Pobee emphasizes the imperative for the United Nations and the Security Council to intensify support for UNISFA, particularly in addressing the influx of displaced persons, insecurity, and the urgent need for dialogue to resolve issues surrounding Abyei. Continued international collaboration is essential for fostering peace and stability in an increasingly volatile environment.

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