UN Security Council extends UNISFA mandate in Abyei until November 2027

The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for another year, until November 15, 2027.

The Council adopted Resolution 2838 on Friday, November 13, with 13 members voting in favour and China and Russia abstaining.

The resolution, adopted under Chapter Seven of the UN Charter, also extends UNISFA’s support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

It maintains the mission’s authorised strength at 3,250 troops and 640 police personnel.

The Security Council also called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into a drone attack targeting UNISFA personnel in Kadugli on December 13, 2025.

The resolution further urged all parties to cooperate with the findings and recommendations of the Abyei Area Joint Investigation and Inquiry Committee into the killing of a UNISFA peacekeeper and the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief, following the release of findings by the African Union Commission.

The Council also called on Sudan and South Sudan to maintain Abyei as a demilitarised area and withdraw unauthorised forces.

Meanwhile, South Sudan welcomed the renewal of the UNISFA mandate but expressed disappointment over what it described as a lack of formal consultation during the drafting of the resolution.

The decision comes as Abyei continues to face security and humanitarian challenges linked to the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Sudan.