Sudan and South Sudan have clashed diplomatically at the United Nations Security Council over plans by Juba to include the disputed Abyei region in its December 2026 general elections. Khartoum has warned that the move violates agreements between the two countries, exposing continuing tensions over Abyei's unresolved political status. The UN has cautioned that South Sudan's electoral plans could further strain relations between the neighboring countries as the elections approach.
Sudan's representative to the UN, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed, expressed concern over South Sudan's decision to include Abyei in its electoral constituencies, describing the move as a violation of agreements signed between the two countries. He said Sudan remained committed to advancing the political process on Abyei, which had received attention at the highest levels of the Sudanese state. Sudan formally rejected the decision in a statement issued on July 13.
South Sudan's representative to the UN, Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, defended his country's position, saying the electoral question should be considered in the context of Abyei's unresolved final status. He argued that the rights and interests of the Ngok Dinka, particularly the nine Ngok chiefdoms, cannot be disregarded until Abyei's status is determined through the agreed process. South Sudan reaffirmed its intention to proceed with the elections four days after Sudan's rejection.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned in a report that South Sudan's intention to include Abyei in its electoral districts could significantly increase political tensions. He also cautioned that the lack of progress on Abyei's final status and governance arrangements continued to create uncertainty, adding that unilateral actions could undermine efforts to reach a negotiated settlement. Abyei has remained disputed since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
The disagreement over elections has added to longstanding differences over Abyei's administration, security, and political future. Under the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, a referendum was planned to allow residents to decide whether Abyei should become part of Sudan or South Sudan. However, the vote has never taken place due to disagreements on voter eligibility and other arrangements. Sudan's representative also raised concerns over the presence of armed groups in Abyei.
The security situation in Abyei was also discussed at the Security Council meeting, including the October 19 drone attack on Amiet Common Market, which killed civilians and destroyed economic infrastructure. The US representative to the UN, Jeff Bartos, condemned the drone strikes, calling for a full, transparent, and prompt investigation. He identified the continued presence of unauthorized armed actors and the failure by Sudan and South Sudan to settle Abyei's final status as major factors contributing to insecurity.
Council members broadly supported the continued presence of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), while expressing frustration over the lack of progress on Abyei's final status, governance, and demilitarization. The two countries have been urged to withdraw unauthorized forces, establish the Abyei Police Service, resume negotiations on the territory's final status, and reactivate joint political and security mechanisms.
Key points
- Sudan and South Sudan have clashed at the UN Security Council over plans to include the disputed Abyei region in South Sudan's December 2026 general elections.
- The UN has warned that South Sudan's electoral plans could further strain relations between the neighboring countries.
- The disagreement has exposed continuing tensions over Abyei's unresolved political status.
