Sudan and South Sudan to Resume Abyei Border Talks

The United Nations is ready to help Sudan and South Sudan restart talks on the disputed Abyei border region, according to a briefing to the Security Council. Abyei’s fertile strip of land has long been a point of contention between the two neighboring countries, a dispute now compounded by the war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023. The conflict pits the national army against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a former ally, and has disrupted the political process that had been underway since a 2011 agreement on force redeployment in the oil‑rich area.

UNISFA, the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei, has been monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces as required by the 2011 accord. However, the political process stalled after the war began, and significant challenges remain in determining Abyei’s final status. These challenges stem from the broader Sudanese conflict and political uncertainty in South Sudan. Despite these obstacles, both countries have expressed willingness to resume dialogue, and the African Union (AU) has been facilitating engagement between them. UNISFA will continue to coordinate with the AU, and the UN has welcomed renewed efforts to revive the Abyei political process, pledging support for the AU’s mediation.

The situation on the ground remains tense. RSF elements and associated individuals have increased their presence in northern Abyei, leading to higher crime rates, especially in the Amiet Market—a key trading hub for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities. The market’s rapid growth makes it a potential flashpoint for intercommunal tensions, and UNISFA has had to engage regularly with armed actors to remove them and prevent their return.

The war in Sudan has also affected security in South Sudan, with cross‑border movements by armed groups heightening insecurity around the border area. The conflict disrupted oil flow and exports through Sudan, causing South Sudan’s economy to contract by nearly 25 %. Oil production and transportation resumed earlier this year after intensified bilateral engagement and new arrangements to secure the pipeline route.

The UN has called for the immediate withdrawal of all armed forces and other armed actors from Abyei, in line with the region’s weapon‑free status. The organization remains committed to supporting dialogue and achieving a peaceful resolution to the dispute. With continued AU facilitation and UN backing, there is hope for a renewed push toward a lasting solution for the Abyei region.