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Security Council extends mandate of UN interim force for Abyei for six months

Xinhua, May 16, 2017 Adjust font size:

The UN Security Council on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) until Nov. 15.

The 15-nation UN body underscores that "continued cooperation between the government of Sudan and the government of South Sudan is also critical for peace, security and stability and the future relations between them," the resolution said.

The council further reiterated "its demand that Sudan and South Sudan urgently commence the establishment of the Abyei Area Administration and Council, including by resolving the deadlock over the composition of the Council," the resolution said.

Sudan and South Sudan are disputing the oil-rich Abyei, an area inhabited mainly by Sudan's Arab Mesiria tribe and South Sudan's Dinka Ngok tribe.

The Abyei area, which has two thirds of Sudan's oil wells, has witnessed many tensions between the two tribes and the armies of the two countries, where dozens have been killed.

In January, UN Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom reiterated the importance of achieving full peace between the two neighboring countries.

A referendum was scheduled to be held in Abyei to decide the fate of the area, but the voting did not take place due to differences over who has the right to vote. Endit