Statement delivered by H.E. Pedro Comissário, Permanent Representative of Mozambique to the United Nations, on behalf of the A3+, at the Security Council Briefing on Sudan and South Sudan

Mr. President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the A3+, namely, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and my own country, Mozambique. 
 
We express our deepest appreciation to the Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa, Ms. Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, for the insightful briefing on the situation in Abyei. We welcome the participation of the Permanent Representatives of the Sudan and South Sudan in this meeting.

Mr. President,
Abyei is a region that offers great opportunities for development and prosperity of both Sudan and South Sudan. Addressing the compounding challenges plaguing Abyei is the only way to ensure that its people take full advantage of the opportunities that the region has to offer.

The A3+ believes priority should be given to the definition of the final status of Abyei and border issues, with a view to holding the planned referendum which will provide the region with the right to self-determination.

Acknowledging the challenges that the current context poses for the resumption of the Abyei political process, we would like to highlight the following points:

First, the 2011 Agreement must be respected by both countries. While the final status of Abyei remains unresolved, ensuring the implementation of the 2011 Agreement and respect of the demilitarized and weapons-free status of Abyei is fundamental. In this context, we call on the parties to refrain from maintaining security personnel in the Abyei area.

Second, efforts must be increased to deter and prevent intercommunal violence. The reduction of intercommunal violence during the reporting period is a positive development, even as we note, with deep concern, continued tensions between the Dinka communities.

In this regard, we encourage the sustained efforts by all stakeholders to maintain this positive trend and increase women and youth participation in peacebuilding initiatives.

Third, investing in development initiatives is crucial in stabilizing the region. We commend UNISFA and the United Nations Agencies, funds and programmes operating in the Abyei box for the implementation of the United Nations Abyei Joint Program. 

We underscore the potential of the programme in addressing the challenges faced by the people of Abyei, which includes capacity-building, infrastructure needs and building resilience to the adverse effects of climate change. We call on the partners to extend their support to the implementation of this program, while maintaining humanitarian support for those in need.

Fourth and lastly, addressing the impact of the conflict in the Sudan is urgent. This will require a comprehensive and coordinated approach among all stakeholders, that encompasses strengthening community-based reconciliation and protection mechanisms, increasing support for refugees and returnees and managing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. 

Ensuring that UNISFA has the necessary conditions to fully undertake its mandate is therefore fundamental.

The A3+ wishes to commend the continued support provided by the Government of South Sudan by facilitating the movement of equipment and cargo to Abyei via South Sudan, which is essential for the operations of UNISFA.

We note, with appreciation, the deployment of all peacekeepers, as part of the reconfiguration process. We further call on the relevant authorities to ensure freedom of movement of UNISFA personnel. This is in line with the status-of-forces agreement and work with the local communities to allow the full operationalization of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

Mr. President,

While the final status of Abyei remains unsettled, UNISFA continues to play a pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and community reconciliation in Abyei. Our sustained support to the Mission is thus indispensable. 

In this context, Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Mozambique reiterate their full support to UNISFA. We pay tribute to the Troop and Police Contributing Countries for the sacrifices that they continue to make for the security of the people of Abyei. 

The A3+ takes this opportunity to extend our deepest and profound gratitude to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ms. Hanna Tetteh for her excellent work, commitment and tireless efforts, as Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa.

I thank you, Mr. President.