Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing on the Report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei

Thank you very much Mr President,

Let me briefly join others in thanking Malta for steering the Council in the month of April and welcome you to the presidency chair in May, and wish you all the best.

I wish to thank USG Lacroix and the Special Envoy Tetteh for their comprehensive briefings. I also welcome the representatives of Sudan and South Sudan to today’s meeting.

The situation in Abyei remains deeply entwined with broader regional instability, especially following the yearlong fighting in Sudan. Heightened security risks and disrupted crucial supply routes for UNISFA and humanitarian aid are intensifying humanitarian challenges and placing vulnerable populations at an even greater risk.

Let me make three remarks in this regard.

Firstly, despite current standstill, dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path for determining Abyei’s final status. Therefore, we share concerns over impact of conflict in Sudan, particularly the fact that efforts toward a peaceful and permanent resolution of Abyei status have stalled and let me at this point reiterate once again our call for immediate cessation of hostilities in Sudan. We support the efforts of African Union and IGAD, along with the Special Envoy in this regard and call on Sudan and South Sudan to resume discussions as soon as conditions permit.

The implementation of the joint mechanisms outlined in 2011 agreement remains imperative. Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism requires sustained commitment and support from both sides, including its aerial monitoring operations.

We also emphasize that Abyei must remain demilitarized and weapons-free. We urge the withdrawal of any security forces that are not in line with 2011 agreement.

Mr. President,

Establishing the Abyei Police Service is critical until the final status is agreed and therefore it is concerning that no progress has been achieved in this area as well. The lack of a cohesive criminal justice system and enforcement capabilities also remain a concern. We emphasize the urgency of these critical measures as soon as circumstances allow. 

Secondly, our focus remains on the protection of civilians. Vast humanitarian needs, scarcity of essentials, escalating intercommunal violence, and the influx of displaced persons further strain already limited resources. Conflict in Sudan and the adverse effects of climate change-induced shrinking land and water additionally exacerbate civilian hardship.

We condemn in the strongest terms the deadly attacks on the aid workers, as well as their facilities and looting of the supplies. We wish to reiterate that humanitarian aid provision and the safety of aid workers are essential.

We remain deeply concerned about the persistent, intercommunal tensions. The increasing violence, particularly among the Ngok Dinka and the Twic Dinka, and the new clashes between the Ngok Dinka and the Nuer communities, is profoundly troubling. We are particularly alarmed that the increased tensions, clashes, kidnappings, sexual and gender based violence and other incidents are impacted heavily by the continued proliferation of arms in the region.

We acknowledge the constructive progress made between the Misseriya and the Ngok Dinka communities, particularly the agreement to ensure peaceful transhumance signed in December. It is a noteworthy development and we encourage both communities to sustain and build upon it.

Thirdly, we commend the bravery and sacrifices of the UNISFA troops. We strongly condemn attacks on UNISFA personnel, resulting in the deaths of two peacekeepers in January and injuries of several others. This is unacceptable and perpetrators must be held accountable.

All impediments to and violations of the SOFA agreement should be immediately addressed and removed; freedom of movement of UNISFA personnel and troops is essential to enable the mission to effectively execute its mandate.

Regarding the delays in UNISFA’s reconfiguration due to the setbacks in equipment deployment – we are commending the collaboration between the Government of South Sudan and UNISFA in rerouting equipment and supplies. We also urge continued cooperation for cargo transit efficiency and the elimination of obstacles hindering this passage.

Mr President,

We highly commend UNISFA’s efforts in fostering dialogue, trust and support reconciliation among the communities. We emphasize the importance of the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women and youth in these efforts.

Slovenia appreciates the ongoing enhancement of the mission’s early warning system and corresponding early response measures. UNISFA’s efforts in a wide range of human rights-related activities, ongoing engagement with youth, and climate-sensitive conflict responses and peacebuilding, remain crucial. We commend the advocacy for gender inclusivity in joint community committees, promotion of women’s participation in security and conflict management structures, as well as the adoption of the UNISFA Rule of Law support strategy.

Mr. President,

We cannot allow the crisis in Abyei to fade into obscurity. The people of Abyei deserve to live in peace and they deserve to have the access to essential state services, justice, security, and economic and education opportunities.

I thank you.

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