05.11.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on Sudan & South Sudan

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Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me also thank Assistant Secretary-General Pobee and Special Envoy Cong for their briefings. In particular, we welcome Special Envoy Cong to the Chamber for his first briefing since his appointment. Even virtually.

Mr. President,

Allow me to make three points.

First,

UNISFA represents a critical pillar of security and stability in Abyei.  Denmark expresses full support for continued fulfilment of the mission’s mandate. 

Denmark strongly condemns any form of violence against UN troops, including the February 2025 incident by the Rapid Support Forces.  We call for accountability under international humanitarian law.  

Denmark supports the urgent deployment of additional police personnel to ensure the Mission can uphold rule of law and provide safety and security alongside its military units, especially in and around the Amiet Market.  In this regard, we call on the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to urgently grant all necessary visas to civilian and police personnel.

Second, Mr. President,

The humanitarian situation in Abyei remains concerning. The influx of refugees, returnees and displaced people has led to a surge in demand for aid, amid  high levels of food insecurity and health challenges. Regrettably, at the same time, the provision and funding of this aid has declined.

Climate change intersects with existing conflict dynamics by distrupting traditional mobility patterns for farmers and herders, impacting availability of water and grazing land. This intersection may heighten intercommunal violence and fuel ethnic tension while contributing to the area’s instability.

In this context, we support UNISFA’s role in reducing intercommunal tensions through people-centred, locally coordinated actions.  The Mission should be empowered to sustain its patrols and provide emergency support even in extreme weather conditions. 

Heavy rains and flooding may also limit UNISFA’s capacity to conduct patrols and carry out its protection of civilians mandate and we emphasize that the mission should be adequately resourced to strengthen operational effectiveness in Abyei. 

UNISFA’s engagement through its Community Liaison Office plays an important role in promoting dialogue and meaningful inclusion of women and youth. Maintaining and strengthening the civilian component, particularly focused on gender, rule of law and community outreach, is vital to ensure alignment between the Mission’s presence and needs of the local community.

Third, Mr. President,

Abyei has been wedged between crisis and conflict to the North and to the South.  The ongoing war in Sudan profoundly impacts the region’s stability, triggering large-scale displacement into Abyei while increasing security incidents.  We renew our call for an urgent ceasefire in Sudan. 

Denmark remains concerned about the continuing presence of the Rapid Support Forces, the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other armed elements in Abyei we strongly urges them to withdraw from the demilitarized zone. Sudan and South Sudan must respect the status of forces agreement and we urge both sides to address issues related to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

In closing,

The people of Abyei remain trapped in a complex emergency with spillover from conflict in neighbouring areas, immense humanitarian needs and threats of intercommunal violence. Denmark remains committed to supporting UNISFA’s role in ensuring peace and stability in the area.

Thank you.

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