UN Security Council to Hold Special Session on Abyei in Early November

Sudanhorizon – Maryam Abshir

The United Nations Security Council will hold a special session on November 4 to discuss developments in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan. The session is expected to focus on renewing the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), which has been deployed in the area since 2011.

The meeting comes at a critical time amid recent developments on the ground and security incidents, the latest of which was a drone attack on an area that reportedly killed at least 173 people.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack and called for the region not to be militarised.

In a related development, a political leader described the situation in Abyei as calm and normal, stating that residents are currently living in safety and security.

Ahmed Al-Saleh Salouha, former head of the Abyei Oversight Committee, told Sudanhorizon that he had held a telephone conversation with the Ngok Dinka paramount chief to discuss recent security developments and incidents, as well as the importance of working to de-escalate tensions.

Salouha noted that Abyei is a demilitarised area with a UN mission deployed there. However, he said the presence of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) troops in nearby and adjoining areas had contributed to tensions and heightened security concerns.

He explained that those targeted by the army’s drone were mobilised individuals on their way to join the RSF militia.

He also pointed out that a recent visit to Al-Mujlad by Mohamed Hassan Al-Taayshi, a leader in the so-called “Tasis Government” affiliated with the militia, had contributed to significant provocations and sent negative messages to local residents.

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