UN extends peacekeeping mission in oil-rich Abyei until 2026

The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend its peacekeeping mission in the oil-rich, disputed territory of Abyei for two years.

The mandate for the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was renewed until November 2026. This decision was made to protect civilians and maintain stability in the volatile border region between Sudan and South Sudan.

Security Council Vote Passes

The resolution was passed late on Friday. The vote received 12 votes in favor. Three permanent members of the council, Russia, China, and Pakistan, abstained from the vote.

The mission’s previous mandate was due to expire on November 15. The draft resolution was proposed by the United States.

Conditions for Future Renewals

The renewal is not unconditional. Clear terms are now set for the next extension. Future renewals are dependent on demonstrable progress from the governments of Sudan and South Sudan. This progress includes the establishment of a long-planned joint police force for Abyei.

The full demilitarization of the area is also required. These steps were originally agreed upon in 2011, when South Sudan gained independence. Little progress has been made since that time.

Mission Faces Significant Challenges

UNISFA is composed of approximately 4,000 police and military personnel. Its primary role is the protection of civilians from violence. The region experiences frequent armed clashes. Inter-communal violence is a persistent threat.

These clashes have forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes. Aid groups face extreme difficulties in reaching those in need. Roads are often unsafe and overall security remains poor.

Broader Context of Unrest

The peacekeeping mission operates in a complex political environment. The unresolved status of Abyei is a major point of contention. This is due to the significant oil reserves located in the area.

The local unrest is also linked to the wider civil war in Sudan. That conflict began in April 2023. It has drawn in armed groups, complicating the situation in Abyei. Tensions are further heightened by conflicts between nomadic herders and local farming communities.

Reporting and Accountability Demanded

The resolution demands increased accountability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is required to provide a report by August 2026. This report will assess the progress made by the two nations.

The Security Council will use this assessment to make decisions about the mission’s future size and scope. The benchmarks are seen as a tool to measure the mission’s effectiveness. They also hold the governments in Khartoum and Juba responsible for finding a political solution.

The two-year extension provides a window for dialogue. Both sides are urged to resume negotiations. Lasting peace is the ultimate goal. The world will be watching for real steps forward.