The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) announced that it will evacuate its Kadugli logistics base in Sudan immediately, following last weekend’s “heinous attack” that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and critically wounded eight others. Consequently, the mission communicated its withdrawal plans to Sudanese authorities on Thursday.
UNISFA stated the move came after extensive security assessments in Kadugli. “The prevailing security situation has disabled the capacity for the UN to function in the area,” the mission emphasized.
Furthermore, UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee recently confirmed the operational environment there “has become untenable,” endangering peacekeeper safety significantly.
Abyei Mission Faces Mounting Challenges
UNISFA has monitored the disputed oil-rich Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan since 2011, with its mandate including verifying military redeployments, protecting civilians, and facilitating vital humanitarian aid deliveries.
However, Pobee warned the Security Council last November that political progress stalled badly after Sudan’s 2023 war erupted. Meanwhile, South Sudan’s own stability improvements have proceeded far too slowly for regional security.
Despite the withdrawal, UNISFA reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. The mission stressed it “will reconsider the resumption of our activities in Kadugli when the situation permits.”
Currently, UN personnel are “closely monitoring the developments on the ground” while prioritizing force protection. This evacuation marks a significant setback for UN operations in a critically volatile border zone where civilians desperately need protection and aid access.
