U.N. Secretary Guterres has reported to the Security Council that the 3,700 force stabilizing the Abyei region could not be terminated early. It was discussed that the reason for this being the unsteady nature of the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan. More specifically, the UNISFA, or the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, is in place due to the non-confirmed status of the oil rich region of Abyei with both nations claiming their ownership. Though the peace deal required a decision in regards to the region, it has not been completed. As this is the case, the UNIFSA has been in place since 2011. Joint Consultations have been required since the mandate ended last November but the virus prevented this from occurring. Guterres cited the lack of trust between Sudan and South Sudan as the reason for the continuation of UNISFA. Though many of the nation’s in the region had different opinions, the UNISFA will continue to be in place until the relations stabilize and it can be left safely. I think that this is a very interesting story as I had never heard of the Abyei region prior to this. Though I knew of the tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, I did not realize that some of the deal had still not been taken care of. South Africa is not a region that generally makes the news in the U.S but I think this is a great example of the success of the U.N. A direct example of International Institutions, the U.N. rarely seems to have a large impact. However, the UNIFSA has kept the unstable region in a relatively peaceful state. With the amount of tensions between the Sudan neighbors, I believe that this is an impressive example of the U.N. working well and keeping the world stable.
