Abyei, 18 October 2025 – On 16 October, the Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, visited Abyei to discuss with the administration and Ngok Dinka traditional leadership the impact of the ongoing UN Peacekeeping liquidity crisis on UNISFA’s mandate delivery. Faced with the financial crisis, the mission is required to implement a reduction of its spending by 15% in its 2025–2026 budget period, cutting back its operational footprint and activities in its area of operation as a result.

While emphasizing the need to sustain engagement with the local communities, USG Lacroix underscored the important role of UNISFA in preventing the reemergence of conflict and protecting civilians in Abyei. He reaffirmed commitment to sustaining progress toward achieving sustainable peace and security in Abyei, stressing that the mission remains committed to playing its role despite the financial situation and addressing challenges that remain. He urged for joint messaging on the financial constraints and stressed the importance of building trust with the community.

“We remain committed to the protection of civilians. Despite the level of reduction, we will do our best to preserve our core mandate. We are doing everything possible to reduce the impact of the liquidity crisis on the mandate. By implementing cost saving measures, we are not disengaging, rather we are taking measures that will allow us to meaningfully sustain our engagement within the current resource constraints moving forward”, he said.

In his meetings with UNISFA leadership and personnel, the USG was briefed on the Misson’s contingency planning and its impact on operational effectiveness. He expressed gratitude to the mission personnel for their dedicated efforts in maintaining peace and security in Abyei and their continued commitment to mandate delivery particularly under the current challenging conditions.

Following a demonstration led by civil society, a petition addressed to Secretary General, was handed to the USG, acknowledging the financial challenges affecting peacekeeping. Describing UNISFA as “the only protection force” in the area, the community appealed for special funding consideration for Abyei due to the peculiar security and humanitarian threats and regional security challenges affecting area.

The USG’s visit comes at a time when Peacekeeping is implementing cost cutting contingency measures which are carefully calibrated reductions across uniformed components, civilian staffing, and operational activities, with efforts focused on preserving mandate-critical functions and maintaining safety and security. Under these measures, Peacekeeping will be forced to repatriate around 25% of its total peacekeeping troops and police and equipment. A large number of civilian staff in Missions will also be affected.