US warns it may withhold support for UN peace mission in Abyei - a call for action
Assalamu alaykum - I read this and wanted to share a simple take. The United States has warned it might not back the renewal of the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei unless Sudan and South Sudan follow through on the 2011 peace agreement. The current mandate for the UN force in Abyei runs out on November 15. The US representative at the UN said both countries are dealing with huge internal problems, but that doesn’t free them from carrying out their promises from 2011.
Washington laid out conditions for continued support: Abyei must be kept a demilitarized zone, temporary administrative and security arrangements should be set up (including a joint Abyei police force), and the parties need to work toward deciding the region’s final status. Abyei’s future has been unresolved since South Sudan became independent in 2011, and the area - which is rich in oil - has seen frequent clashes. Thousands of peacekeepers are already there.
Sudan is also suffering from a brutal civil war, and there are concerns about armed groups and forces operating in Abyei. The US warned that unless both governments make immediate, measurable progress on the agreement - especially creating the joint police and the temporary arrangements - its support for the mission could be in doubt.
This is worrying for the people of Abyei, who’ve waited many years for stability and proper administration. May Allah protect the innocent and guide the leaders to act justly and quickly so civilians can live in safety.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/