The United Nations Security Council has voted to extend the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), prolonging the peacekeeping mission in the disputed, oil-rich border region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan. The renewal comes at a critical time as violent clashes, displacement, and political instability continue to destabilise the area.

UN Security Council Renews Abyei Mission Until November 2026

In a vote late Friday, the Council approved the extension with 12 votes in favor, while Russia, China, and Pakistan abstained. The mandate, originally set to expire on November 15, will now continue until November 2026.

However, the resolution issued a firm warning: future extensions will depend on concrete progress toward stabilising Abyei and implementing long-delayed commitments between the two nations.

The United States, which drafted the resolution, said it had negotiated the text “in good faith”, pushing only for reasonable benchmarks that reflect long-standing obligations.

Conditions for Future Renewals: Demilitarisation and Joint Police Force

According to the resolution, further continuation of UNISFA will rely on “demonstrable progress” by both Sudan and South Sudan. Key requirements include:

• Formation of a joint police force for Abyei
• Full demilitarisation of the region, as agreed in the 2011 deal that accompanied South Sudan’s independence
• Improved cooperation with UN personnel
• Enhanced protection for civilians amid ongoing violence

These measures were previously agreed upon but have seen minimal implementation over the years.

UNISFA’s Role Amid Ongoing Instability

UNISFA, consisting of roughly 4,000 uniformed personnel, remains responsible for protecting civilians, reducing violence, and supporting humanitarian access in a region often destabilised by armed clashes. Abyei has long been a flashpoint, with deadly tensions between local communities and political disputes between Khartoum and Juba.

The force’s presence is considered essential as thousands of civilians continue to face displacement, food insecurity, and limited access to aid due to insecurity and poor road conditions.

UN Secretary-General to Deliver Progress Report in August 2026

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been tasked with submitting a comprehensive report by August 2026, detailing whether Sudan and South Sudan have made real progress on the outlined benchmarks.

US representative Dorothy Shea said the benchmarks will allow the UN to accurately measure the mission’s impact and ensure the parties involved remain responsible for fulfilling their obligations.

Abyei Faces Heightened Tensions as Sudan’s Civil War Rages

The renewal comes at a time when Sudan is engulfed in civil war, which erupted in April 2023 after bitter power struggles between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, accused of widespread atrocities in Darfur and other regions, has also been active in Abyei, further complicating the security environment.

The unrest has severely strained humanitarian operations in the area, with aid convoys frequently halted due to violence, theft, and unsafe roads.

A Region Still Waiting for Resolution

Abyei remains one of the most sensitive unresolved issues since South Sudan’s independence. Despite repeated peace talks and UN mediation, neither side has agreed on a final status referendum or permanent administrative arrangement.

The UN’s latest renewal underscores the international community’s concern that without meaningful action from both Khartoum and Juba, Abyei could slide deeper into crisis — with civilians paying the highest price.