A3+ JOINT STATEMENT ON BRIEFING OF UNITED NATIONS INTERIM SECURITY FORCE FOR ABYEI (UNISFA)

  Delivered by

H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of

Guyana to the United Nations

5th November 2025

Mr. President,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia and my country, Guyana.

We thank Assistant Secretary General Martha Pobee and Special Envoy Guang Cong for their detailed briefing on the situation in Abyei.

We also welcome the participation of the [Permanent] Representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan in this meeting.

Mr. President,

The situation in Abyei remains volatile with the increased presence and activities of the Rapid Support Forces and other armed groups in the demilitarised zone. This is further compounded by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the area. The A3+ is deeply concerned that these developments have undermined the demilitarised status of Abyei and restricted UNISFA’s freedom of movement, thereby heightening volatility in the area.

The A3+ thanks the Secretary General for his report and welcomes the strategic assessment of the mission’s effectiveness and efficiency, given the changing dynamics on the ground. We wish to underscore the following three points:

First, the priority must remain on defining the final status of Abyei and addressing the outstanding border issues with a view to holding the planned referendum, which will provide the region with the right to self-determination. We acknowledge the significant challenges posed by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and internal political developments in South Sudan, and the impact these have had on efforts to finalise the status of Abyei and resume border demarcation activities. These challenges notwithstanding, the A3+ stresses the imperative of both countries adhering to the principles of the 2011 Agreement. In this regard, we call for all parties to respect the demilitarised and weapons-free status of the Abyei box and to comply withUNISFA. These include ensuring their freedom of movement, in line with the Status- of-Forces Agreement, and working toward the full operationalisation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

We underline the importance of resuming the meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee; providing support for the appointment of a civilian Deputy Head of Mission; and establishing the Abyei Joint Security Police to assist in subduing the rise of criminality in the Amiet Market.

Second, concerted efforts must be made to improve the humanitarian environment in the Abyei box. The influx of displaced people is evident in the expansion of the Amiet Market. A situation that continues to strain limited resources and is further compounded by a cholera outbreak, high rates of malaria and other water-borne diseases, food insecurity, the impact of climate change, and a spike in criminality.

The incidence of attacks on humanitarian workers and disruptions in aid delivery further exacerbate the crisis and must be addressed by relevant actors in both countries. We therefore reiterate our call for a ceasefire in Sudan and for greater regional stability, urging all parties to prioritise the cessation of hostilities in both countries and work towards restoring stability across the region.

The A3+ takes note of the contingency plans implemented by the mission to reduce expenditure in a challenging local environment and global fiscal landscape, and calls on the international community to support UNISFA with adequate and predictable resources towards the achievement of its mandate. Sustained financial support remains essential to prevent further deterioration in living conditions.

We also welcome the mission’s efforts to incorporate women and youth in peacebuilding initiatives, which have proven critical in intercommunal reconciliation and the overall improvement of the security environment in Abyei. In this context, we welcome the reduction of intercommunal clashes in Abyei, even as we remain concerned about tensions between the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka as well as the Twic Dinka and Nuer communities.

Turning to our final point, Mr. President, the A3+ emphasizes that comprehensive peacebuilding measures must include development initiatives. As such, we welcome the efforts of the Joint Programme of the Resident Coordinators in the Sudan and South Sudan in Abyei to improve basic service delivery in the areas of health, water, sanitation, hygiene, and food and nutrition. Similarly, we note with appreciation the April 2025 Ngok-Twic youth peace accord.

The collective efforts of the missions to facilitate peacebuilding and development should be sustained for the stabilisation of Abyei. Ensuring that these missions have the necessary resources to fully undertake their mandate is therefore fundamental.

Mr. President,

While the final status of Abyei remains unresolved, UNISFA continues to play a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability, and community reconciliation in Abyei. Sustained support remains critical.

In this context, the A3+ reaffirms the vital role of the African Union and the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa in fostering dialogue between the two countries and advancing efforts toward a sustainable resolution of Abyei’s final status.

We, therefore, reiterate our full support to UNISFA and commend the Troop and Police Contributing Countries for their efforts towards peace in Abyei.

I, thank you.