As delivered
Statement of Latvia, by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council briefing on Abyei
New York, 7 May 2026
Mr. President,
I thank Assistant Secretary-General Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa Guang Cong for their briefings.
Let me highlight three points.
First, Abyei continues to need UNISFA’s stabilizing presence. Security incidents increased by more than 50 % during the reporting period. Intercommunal clashes remain a major source of casualties, and criminal activity continues to erode public safety. The voices of local civil society, youth and women’s representatives, and traditional leaders are clear: maintaining UNISFA in Abyei is critical to preventing renewed conflict and preserving stability.
This is not a local issue. The war in Sudan and instability in South Sudan are pushing people and armed actors into Abyei, including civilians fleeing violence in Abiemnhom [Ah-bee-em-HOM]. If UNISFA’s presence is weakened, the vacuum that would form is not to remain void for long. It risks being filled by armed actors, criminal networks, and spoilers. The Horn of Africa cannot afford another crisis.
Second, we must be clear-eyed about the limits of UNISFA’s ability to deliver. The problem is not only insecurity. It is also the lack of political will to address Abyei’s unresolved political and security challenges. Sudan and South Sudan must re-engage through the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), and move forward with establishing the Abyei Police Service.
Interference inside Abyei must also stop. South Sudanese security personnel maintain unauthorized checkpoints and occupy civilian structures, while RSF elements in Sector North restrict movement, intimidate communities and interfere with local structures. Kadugli attack leading to loss of life of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers, violating international law, must mark a turning point. Attacks on peacekeepers and the obstruction of mandated tasks make the mission less safe, less mobile and less effective. Neither can be tolerated.
Third, UNISFA must adapt, but adaptation must strengthen the mandate - not dilute it. After Kadugli attack and the closure of Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) team sites, the mission must still monitor, verify and warn. Technology can help. Satellite imagery, aerial tools where appropriate, and stronger analysis through data-driven tools can give the mission a clearer picture of the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone. These tools can reduce blind spots, assist early warning and improve personnel safety. At the same time, technology should assist rather than replace peacekeeping personnel, which is the backbone ensuring UNISFA’s effectiveness through presence, mobility and trust. Technology cannot patrol a market, reassure a community, or verify facts by itself. This brings an additional point - adaptation requires access. Sudan and South Sudan must provide predictable clearances, freedom of movement and cooperation with mandated tasks.
The parties should also enable the full deployment of mandated UN police, support the appointment of a civilian Deputy Head of Mission, and strengthen community protection arrangements, including through women’s meaningful participation.
Echoing the Special Envoy’s comments on his engagement with the partis, we urge the government of both Sudan and South Sudan to listen and to reengage in meaningful dialogue towards Abyei’s final status.
Mr. President,
UNISFA can help hold the line in Abyei, but only if it has the political backing, access and strong mandate to do so.
Thank you!