About United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA):
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established through United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 of June 27, 2011. Resolution 1990 made provision for the deployment of 4,200 Ethiopian troops to provide security and protect civilians under imminent threat of violence in the disputed border region.
On December 14, 2012, the Security Council passed UNSC Resolution 2014 extending the UN presence and expanding UNISFA’s mandate to include monitoring along the entire border between North and South Sudan in line with the initial withdrawal agreement.
On 29 May 2013, the Security Council, by resolution 2104, increased the authorized military strength up to 5,326 peacekeepers, as requested by Sudan and South Sudan on 8 March 2013 and decided that support for the operational activities of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism would include support to the Ad Hoc Committees.
UNISFA Headquarters is located in Abyei Town, the major town in the Abyei. Operationally, there are three Sectors; Sector North, Sector Central and Sector South with Sector headquarters at Diffra, Abyei town area, and Anthony respectively.
On 13 May 2019, UN Security Council Resolution 2469 (2019) recognized that the current situation in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security. The resolution extended the mandate of UNISFA to 15 November 2019 and stipulated to reduce the authorized troop ceiling to 3,550 and to increase the authorized police ceiling established in resolution 1990 (2011) to 640 police personnel, including 148 individual police officers and three formed police units.
The UN Security Council through Resolution 2469 requested the UN Secretary-General to appoint a civilian Deputy of Mission of UNISFA.
Summary of UNISFA Mandate
- Strengthen the capacity of the Abyei Police Service (APS) by providing support, including the training of personnel, and coordinate with the APS on matters of law and order.
- Monitor and verify the redeployment of armed forces from the Abyei Area in accordance with the 20 June 2011 Agreement;
- Participate in relevant Abyei Area bodies as stipulated in the Agreement;
- Provide de-mining assistance and technical advice;
- Facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and free movement of humanitarian personnel in coordination with relevant Abyei Area bodies;
- When requested and in cooperation with the APS, provide security for oil infrastructure in the Abyei Administrative Area (AAA).
The Council also authorized UNISFA under Chapter VII to:
- Protect UN Personnel, facilities, installations and equipment;
- Ensure the security and freedom of UN and humanitarian personnel and members of the Joint Military Observers Committee and Joint Military Observer Teams established by the 20 June Agreement.
- Protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence; and protect the Area from incursions by unauthorized elements and ensure security.
