Security Council Renews Mandate of United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei to Continue Supporting Joint Border Verification Mechanism

Sudan, South Sudan Delegates Welcome Unanimous Adoption of Resolution 2465 (2019)

The Security Council decided today to renew until 15 October the support provided by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, recognizing that the current situation in the disputed region and along the Sudan-South Sudan border continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2465 (2019), the Council further decided that this will be the final such extension unless both Sudan and South Sudan take specific measures to demonstrate measurable progress on border demarcation.  As a result, UNISFA’s authorized troop ceiling would decrease by 557 troops on 15 October.

[Considering the situation on 14 December 2011, the Council adopted resolution 2024 (2011), broadening UNISFA’s mandate to include support for the Joint Mechanism, in recognition of the urgent need for both parties to commence the process of border normalization.]

Speaking after today’s vote, Sudan’s representative reaffirmed his country’s cooperation with UNISFA until the Force is able to complete its mission.  He went on to provide an update on the current situation in Sudan, noting that the army is imposing a three-month state of emergency.  With the Constitution suspended and the military council in place, the Constitution’s suspension could be lifted soon and the transitional period shortened if the transition to civilian rule is smooth, he added.  It is a delicate situation, but it remains a domestic matter, he emphasized, calling upon the international community to support this democratic transition process, which will require time.

South Sudan’s representative welcomed the renewal of UNISFA’s support for the Joint Mechanism, noting that progress has been made in Abyei and that the commitment to continue implementation of the mandate is evident.  Both Governments, and regional stakeholders, have been working to find a satisfactory solution for the communities in Abyei, he said.

The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended 10:22 a.m.