New York – The A3+ group, comprised of Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana, underscored the critical role of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in promoting peace, stability, and reconciliation in the Abyei region. The statement was delivered Friday evening in New York.
Speaking on behalf of the A3+ group, the Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues, addressed the Security Council during a session on Sudan and South Sudan, where UNISFA’s mandate was extended. The group emphasized the need to ensure the peacekeeping mission’s continued presence, stating that it is now “more important than ever in the context of the current situation in Abyei.” They expressed their “unwavering support” for UNISFA’s mandate, ensuring its vital role in fostering peace, stability, and reconciliation.
The A3+ group described the situation in Abyei as “fragile” due to numerous challenges and incomplete tasks. They highlighted that “the presence of armed groups, particularly the Rapid Support Forces, in demilitarized zones, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, the influx of refugees, and the negative impacts of climate change have all hindered progress in Abyei.”
The group urged Sudan and South Sudan to “resume dialogue as a matter of priority and cooperate with the United Nations agency and regional and bilateral partners to address the existing needs of affected communities and accelerate the implementation of existing agreements, including compliance with the principles contained in the 2011 agreement.”
Furthermore, the A3+ group emphasized that “the two parties must work together to create the necessary conditions for the United Nations mission to fully implement its mandate.” They reiterated their call for adequate funding for UNISFA, expressing their readiness for “continuous engagement with members of the Security Council to ensure that the appropriate conditions are in place for the mission to support peace, stability, and reconciliation in Abyei.” DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
