Checked Against Delivery
Thank you, Mr. President.
And congratulations on taking up the presidency of the Council this month.
I thank ASG Pobee and Special Envoy Cong for their detailed briefings on the situation.
As we have heard, the people of Abyei remain trapped by years of an unchanging status quo, immense humanitarian needs and threats of intercommunal violence.
Denmark condemns the continued presence of the Rapid Support Forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and other armed elements, which constitute a source of violence and insecurity for the civilian population.
We urge them to withdraw – and reiterate that Abyei is a demilitarized zone and must remain as such.
Furthermore, Denmark strongly condemns the abhorrent drone strikes on the UNISFA logistics base in Kadugli inDecember 2025, resulting in the death of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers. We extend our sincere condolences to their families.
It must be stressed that personnel and facilities involved in a peacekeeping mission – in accordance with the UN Charter – are protected under international law, and recall that attacks against such personnel and facilities may constitute a war crime.
We are deeply concerned that this attack precipitated the evacuation of the Kadugli logistics base and ultimately the withdrawal from all Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism team sites.
This is a serious setback to monitoring and verification capacity along the Sudan-South Sudan border.
Mr. President,
It is extremely concerning that virtually no progress has been made toward a political solution on the final status of Abyei.
The ongoing conflict in both Sudan and South Sudan does not absolve either party of their responsibilities.
We support the continued engagement by the Special Envoy to the Horn of Africa, the African Union and IGAD in supporting resumption of dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan.
And we urge the parties to show political resolve.
Furthermore, we regret that there has been no progress on other issues such as the establishment of the Joint Security Police and the issuance of visas for UN police personnel and formed police units.
In this regard, we express appreciation for the voluntary work of Community Protection Committee Members who continue to bear primary responsibility for law enforcement in the absence of police.
Mr. President,
Ongoing conflict in Sudan and South Sudan has triggered large-scale displacement into Abyei.
We reiterate our call for an urgent ceasefire in Sudan, and for a revitalization of the Peace Agreement in South Sudan.
During seasonal migration, conflict-driven displacement as well as flooding and drought have continued to intensify resource competition.
Denmark underlines the key role of UNISFA in addressing intercommunal violence, working with local communities to better respond to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, while effectively promoting the participation of women in these efforts.
Mr. President, in closing,
UNISFA continues to be the backbone of security and stability in Abyei, in an increasingly precarious and challenging environment, facing limitations beyond its control.
There is an urgent need for renewed commitment by the Parties to the mission’s unimpeded mandate implementation.
Denmark underlines that the mission's presence remains crucial. And we will work with all partners to ensure that it is enabled to continue delivering for the people of Abyei.
Thank you.
