Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan

Thank you Mr. President.

I wish to begin by thanking ASG Pobee for her briefing. I also welcome the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan to the meeting.

Mr. President,

Let me make three remarks:

Firstly, we express concern that Abyei’s final status still remains unresolved, with the political process affected by the conflict in Sudan and political developments in South Sudan. We reaffirm our support for the African Union, IGAD, and the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, urging Sudan and South Sudan to recommence discussions as soon as the situation allows.

In the interim, implementing joint mechanisms as per the 2011 Agreement, including establishing the Abyei Police Service, is crucial for stability and the provision of essential services. Sustained commitment from both Sudan and South Sudan is vital.

Effective implementation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) continues to be hindered by the conflict in Sudan; its success relies on sustained cooperation from both countries, including support for aerial monitoring operations. Both countries must remain engaged towards its effective implementation.

We stress that Abyei must remain demilitarized and weapons-free and therefore urge South Sudan to withdraw its security forces, as their presence clearly violates the 2011 Agreement. We are also gravely concerned by the reports indicating the presence of suspected RSF elements in Abyei; any actions that compromise the region’s neutral status could potentially have broader implications for the stability in the region.

The proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Abyei fuels crime and increases the risk of intercommunal violence. The recent discovery of higher-calibre weaponry only underscores the urgent need to maintain Abyei as a weapons-free zone to ensure safety and stability.

Secondly, while serious concerns over Abyei’s security remain high, we are encouraged by the reported decrease in clashes among the Ngok Dinka, Twic Dinka, and Nuer communities. We welcome the absence of incidents between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya during the latest reporting period, hopefully signalling progress towards stability and reconciliation.

We commend UNISFA and partners for their reconciliation efforts, notably the post-Migration conference in May, which concluded with an agreement on peaceful coexistence – a development that both communities should continue to uphold.

Women’s and youth’s voices are vital to these peacebuilding processes; enhancing their active involvement in reconciliation efforts must remain a priority.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan continues to exacerbate security risks, hinder development, and deepen economic hardship in Abyei – a situation we view with deep concern. The adverse effects of climate change on land and water availability compound these challenges, as scarce resources drive further competition and hardship among communities.

Thirdly, UNISFA’s presence in Abyei is essential for maintaining stability, deterring conflict, and fostering community resilience. Through human rights and rule of law advocacy, youth engagement, and conflict resolution, UNISFA plays a vital role in peace and reconciliation. Its support for joint peace committees, prevention of gender-based violence, and promotion of gender inclusivity empower communities, particularly women and youth.

However, ongoing violations of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) continue to hinder UNISFA’s mission. While cooperation in facilitating equipment movement is commendable, we call on the Government of South Sudan to remove its forces and ensure UNISFA’s unrestricted freedom of movement.

We also call on the parties to support and facilitate the full deployment of UNISFA’s mandated police units and the civilian deputy head of mission to support operations on the ground.

Mr. President,

Determining Abyei’s final status remains imperative and requires strong political will and stability in both Sudan and South Sudan.

We renew our urgent call for an immediate, sustainable ceasefire in Sudan as a critical step towards achieving long-term stability in the region.

I thank you.

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