UN Extends Abyei Peacekeeping Mission to November 2026, Tying Future to Demilitarisation and Joint Police

UN Security Council renews UNISFA mandate for one year

The United Nations Security Council voted late Friday to renew the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for one year, extending the peacekeeping presence in the oil-rich, disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan through November 2026.

The resolution was adopted by a 12-0 vote; Russia, China and Pakistan abstained. The measure was submitted by the United States, which the US representative described as negotiated "in good faith" and tied to what she called "reasonable and common-sense benchmarks for this mission."

"These benchmarks will help describe the mission’s impact and provide a critical tool to hold host governments accountable for measurable progress," said US representative Dorothy Shea.

Benchmarks and next steps

The text conditions any further extensions on "demonstrable progress" by Sudan and South Sudan. Key expectations include the creation of a joint police force for Abyei and the complete demilitarisation of the territory—steps that reflect agreements first reached in 2011 when South Sudan gained independence.

Secretary-General António Guterres has been instructed to submit a report by August 2026 assessing whether the two countries have taken tangible steps toward these benchmarks. That report will inform Security Council consideration of whether and how to reduce UNISFA's footprint.

UNISFA's role and local context

UNISFA comprises roughly 4,000 police and troops tasked primarily with protecting civilians in a region frequently affected by armed clashes. Although relatively small, the mission operates in a politically sensitive environment where repeated fighting has displaced thousands and severely constrained humanitarian access because of insecurity and dangerous roads.

The renewal comes amid a broader and ongoing crisis in Sudan. Since April 2023, a civil war between rival military leaders has devastated large parts of the country. Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)—accused of atrocities in Darfur and elsewhere—have also been active in and around Abyei, complicating security and humanitarian operations.

What to watch

• Whether Khartoum and Juba agree on and implement a joint police force for Abyei.
• Steps taken toward full demilitarisation of the area as outlined in the 2011 arrangements.
• The content of the Secretary-General’s August 2026 report and potential Council decisions on downsizing UNISFA.

As the deadline for the next assessment approaches, the Security Council and humanitarian actors will be watching for measurable progress that could pave the way for a safer environment for civilians and more secure humanitarian access.