South Sudan has reaffirmed its commitment to the demilitarisation arrangements in the Abyei Area while calling for renewed political engagement to resolve the territory’s outstanding final status. Speaking during a United Nations Security Council briefing on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on Thursday, South Sudan’s Deputy Permanent Representative and Chargé d’Affaires, Ambassador Sabino Edward Nyawela Amaikwey, said the presence of South Sudanese forces south of the River Kiir should not be considered an unauthorised military presence in Abyei. The diplomat also defended the limited presence of SSPDF personnel in parts of the area, saying it has contributed to stabilising the security situation and protecting civilians following the 2022 intercommunal violence. On the question of elections in Abyei, Ambassador Amaikwey said the rights and interests of the Ngok Dinka, particularly the Nine Chiefdoms, must not be disregarded before the area’s final status is determined. He further rejected allegations of violations of the Status of Forces Agreement, maintaining that UNISFA personnel are granted visas and freedom of movement in accordance with the agreement.
