The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei reinforced patrols and engaged communities after heightened tensions between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka in southern Abyei. Meanwhile, the UN Security Council previously renewed the mission’s mandate to protect civilians in the oil-rich border region claimed by Sudan and South Sudan.
Security Force Reinforces Patrols Amid Southern Abyei Tensions
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) reported deep concern over heightened tensions between the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities in the southern part of the region. UNISFA calls for calm and urges all parties to immediately exercise restraint and refrain from actions that could deepen tensions and threaten the fragile peace and stability prevailing in the area. UNISFA calls on all communities in Abyei to promote constructive dialogue and resolve any grievances through established peace mechanisms. The mission further calls on the communities to desist from spreading rumours and mis and disinformation that are likely to provoke violence.
The mission pointed to recent reports indicating the mobilization of armed youths from both communities as a primary driver behind the renewed friction. UNISFA recalls the devastating two-year conflict between the Ngok and Twic Dinka which broke out in 2022 resulted in immense suffering, civilian deaths, massive displacement and the destruction of property on both sides and urges all the parties to ensure a peaceful resolution. Communities were also cautioned against spreading rumours and mis and disinformation that are likely to provoke violence.
“We are fully engaged with all relevant authorities and communities to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate and civilians are protected. We urge all the parties to preserve the peace and stand ready to deescalate tensions and support a peaceful resolution,”
Lieutenant General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander
To secure the area and protect residents, UNISFA reinforced its presence across the south of Abyei and intensified patrols and engagements with communities to secure the area and protect civilians. The mission noted that despite the relative peace and stability enjoyed by the two communities since the April 2025 Ngok and Twic Dinka Peace Conference, the situation in the area has remained fragile, recalling the devastating two-year conflict between the two groups that broke out in 2022 and caused massive displacement, property destruction, and civilian deaths.
Security Council Mandate and Border Monitoring Frameworks
The security situation in Abyei operates under an international framework shaped by longstanding Security Council decisions. The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in the oil-rich and disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan for 6 months ending on November 15.
The resolution issued with the unanimous vote of all 15 council members stated that the current situation in Abyei, and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, continues to constitute a serious threat to international peace and security. Acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter—meaning the international community can use military force to implement it—the mandate includes taking necessary actions to protect civilians facing imminent physical violence regardless of the source. The resolution also stressed that continued cooperation between the governments of Sudan and South Sudan is crucial for peace, security, stability, and the future of relations between the two countries.
Outstanding Governance and Demilitarized Zone Demands
International oversight also targets administrative delays in the territory. The Security Council called upon Khartoum and Juba to promptly establish the Abyei Area Administration, its council, and a police administration to carry out security duties in the area, including the protection of oil infrastructure, in accordance with the obligations of both parties under the June 20, 2011 agreement.
Additionally, the council expressed concern over the delay in the full activation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and the cessation of efforts aimed at it. Both governments were urged to make intensive efforts to determine the centerline of the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone on the ground, without prejudice to the legal status of the shared border, whether currently or in the future, or to ongoing negotiations concerning disputed areas. The council emphasized its intention to review UNISFA’s mandate and any potential restructuring operations as needed, in light of Khartoum and Juba’s commitment to previous Security Council resolutions and bilateral agreements signed in June and July 2011 and September 2012, reaffirming that any final status settlement for Abyei will occur only through dialogue and negotiation between the parties.
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