The UN Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Guang Cong, has concluded his first visit to UNISFA, stressing the need for continued dialogue on Abyei and sustained engagement to insulate the area from the spillover of regional conflicts.
During his visit from 27 to 29 April, the Special Envoy held extensive consultations with Ngok Dinka and Misseriya leaders, civil society representatives, and local authorities calling for accelerated progress in achieving concrete results on key benchmarks set by the Security Council. He acknowledged UNISFA’s essential role in protecting civilians and maintaining peace, as well as the improved relations between the two communities. However, he cautioned that the gains remain fragile due to continuing security concerns, including the presence of state and non‑state armed actors.
Mr. Cong expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the two communities and encouraged all stakeholders to remain committed to peace in Abyei. In a show of unity, community leaders and the local Administration reaffirmed their support for UNISFA acknowledging that current peace is a result of the presence of the mission. The Special Envoy welcomed the constructive engagements during his visit noting that they will be crucial for his continuing engagement on Abyei.
On the second day of the visit, leaders of the Ngok Dinka community led a peaceful demonstration at the mission headquarters, urging the Security Council to extend UNISFA’s mandate and warning of the risk of renewed violence due to the unresolved final status of Abyei. In a petition addressed to the Secretary‑General and delivered to the Special Envoy, they urged increased international pressure on Sudan and South Sudan to resolve Abyei’s final status and called for the withdrawal of all unauthorized forces from the Abyei area.
The visit comes at a critical time as the mission accelerates engagement and progress in attaining Security Council benchmarks. UNISFA’s current mandate is set to expire later this year, and future extensions are tied to demonstratable progress on key benchmarks by the Governments of Sudan and South Sudan. Mr. Cong called for collective responsibility by all actors to demonstrate commitment by making progress in achieving the benchmarks as requested by United Nations Security Council.