China has urged Sudan and South Sudan to resolve their dispute over Abyei through dialogue, warning that deteriorating security and unilateral actions could undermine efforts to reach a political settlement.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Thursday, November 5, China’s ambassador to the UN, Sun Lei, called on the two countries to build on recent progress in their joint political and security mechanisms and work towards resolving Abyei’s final status.
The meeting came amid tensions over South Sudan’s plans to include the disputed territory in its December 2026 general elections, a move rejected by Sudan as a violation of agreements between the two countries.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the plan could significantly increase political tensions as the elections approach.
Sudan’s representative, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed, said the decision undermined existing agreements, while South Sudan’s representative, Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, argued that the political rights of the Ngok Dinka, particularly the nine chiefdoms, cannot be disregarded while Abyei’s final status remained unresolved.
Political settlement
Sun welcomed the resumption of regular meetings of the joint political and security mechanisms between Sudan and South Sudan, saying they had produced several positive outcomes.
He said the international community should respect the sovereignty and leading role of Sudan and South Sudan, take into account the challenges facing both countries and avoid imposing solutions or rushing the political process.
Sun condemned the recent drone attack on Amiet market in Abyei that caused heavy civilian casualties, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
“China strongly condemns attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he said, urging all parties to end violence and respect international humanitarian law.
He also called for the implementation of the 2011 temporary arrangements governing Abyei, including maintaining its demilitarised and weapons-free status.
The ambassador urged the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and other armed groups to withdraw from the area and stop interfering in existing governance arrangements.
He further called on the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities to strengthen dialogue and cooperation to build trust and promote peaceful coexistence.
Humanitarian concerns
Sun said delays in resolving Abyei’s political status had hindered development and weakened the area’s economic capacity.
He called on UN country teams in Sudan and South Sudan to advance the Abyei Joint Programme in coordination with the two governments and UNISFA, with a focus on refugee settlement, poverty reduction, disaster prevention, education and healthcare.
He also urged international partners to provide more resources to humanitarian and development organisations operating in the area.
UNISFA mandate
Sun welcomed Sudan’s approval for the deployment of a formed police unit under the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), as well as its commitment to facilitating visas and other arrangements. He also commended South Sudan for its continued support for the mission.
He expressed concern over the suspension of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and supported efforts by the UN Secretariat to explore options for resuming its operations in consultation with both countries.
Citing the secretary-general’s report, Sun said shortages of personnel and funding were limiting UNISFA’s operational capacity and called on member states to provide the necessary resources.
As the Security Council considers renewing UNISFA’s mandate, China supports extending the mission’s authorisation to enable it to continue contributing to peace and stability in Abyei.
Sun said any changes to the mission’s mandate should reflect progress in the political process, conditions on the ground, the views of the host countries and the mission’s performance.
He added that China remained committed to working with the international community towards a lasting settlement of the Abyei dispute.
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