UN authorises deployment of peacekeepers to Abyei

Deeply concerned by the violence, escalating tensions and population displacement in Sudan’s Abyei region, and recognizing that the situation demanded an urgent response, the Security Council yesterday authorized the deployment of a peacekeeping force to the disputed area, which straddles Northern and Southern Sudan and is claimed by both.

With the unanimous adoption of resolution 1990 (2011), the Council formally established, for six months, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), which would comprise a maximum of 4,200 military personnel, 50 police personnel and appropriate civilian support.  Authorizing the use of force to protect civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei, the Council underscored the imperative for the expeditious deployment of UNISFA and urged Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon “to take necessary steps to ensure rapid and effective implementation” of the resolution. The new operation answers the call for speedy Council action in the wake of the agreement reached last week between the Sudanese Government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) to withdraw their respective forces and allow Ethiopian peacekeepers in Abyei.  Under that deal, brokered by former South Africa President Thabo Mbeki, the two sides agreed on the need for a third party to monitor the flashpoint border between north and south.  As Southern Sudan prepares to formally declare its independence from Khartoum on 9 July — the culmination of a wider 2005 peace deal — resource rich Abyei had in recent weeks been the scene of deadly clashes that drove more than 100,000 people from their homes.

By the resolution, UNISFA would monitor and verify the redeployment of any Sudan Armed Forces, Sudan People’s Liberation Army or its successor from the Abyei area; “henceforth, the Abyei area shall be demilitarized from any forces other than UNISFA and the Abyei Police Service,” it adds.  The resolution also charges the interim force with facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and the free movement of relief workers in and around Abyei.  When necessary, and in coordination with the Abyei Police Service, UNISFA troops would also provide security for the region’s oil infrastructure.

Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the Council also authorized UNISFA, within its capabilities and its area of deployment, to take the necessary actions to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations, and equipment; ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, relief workers and members of the Joint Military Observers Committee and Joint Military Observer Teams; and, without prejudice to the responsibilities of the relevant authorities, “to protect civilians in the Abyei area under imminent threat of physical violence”.  It also authorized the use of force to protect the area “from incursions by unauthorized elements”, as defined in the agreement between the parties.

In a related Chapter VII provision, the Council requested the Secretary-General and the Sudanese Government, in consultation with the Government of Southern Sudan or its successor, to conclude a status-of-forces agreement immediately on the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and United Nations personnel, and that until such an agreement was concluded, the arrangement for the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) would apply to UNISFA. 

The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to “ensure that effective human rights monitoring is carried out” and the results were included in his reports to the 15-nation body, within the next 30 days, and every 60 days thereafter.  The Council plans to review the status of UNISFA no later than three months from today.

After action on the resolution, French Ambassador Gérard Araud welcomed the decision, which would allow the withdrawal of Northern and Southern forces and prompt the return of displaced civilians.  He hoped it would also open a path for resolving the status of Abyei.  He hailed the “robust” nature of UNISFA’s mandate and urged attention to humanitarian and human rights issues in Abyei. He also recalled the need for comprehensive action and broad coordination by, and among, the various United Nations operations throughout Sudan.

read United Nations Security Council full resolution

(Source: United Nations)