UNITED NATIONS NEW YORK: Pakistan has demanded accountability for the deadly drone attack on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), warning that impunity could encourage future assaults on peacekeepers.
Speaking during a UN Security Council briefing on Abyei, Ambassador Usman Jadoon strongly condemned the Dec 13 drone strike on a UNISFA logistics base in Kadugli. The attack killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
He said accountability for crimes against peacekeepers remained essential for preventing similar attacks in future missions.
“We must not place a cost ceiling on the safety of those who serve the mandates assigned by this Security Council,” he told the council.
Abyei Situation Remains Fragile
Ambassador Jadoon described the security situation in Abyei as fragile and increasingly complicated. He said the conflict in Sudan, instability in South Sudan, and rising intercommunal tensions continued to threaten peace in the region.
He also pointed to arms proliferation, criminal activity, and the presence of unauthorized armed groups, including the Rapid Support Forces.
The ambassador described UNISFA as a stabilizing force in Abyei. He said civilians seeking shelter at UNISFA bases highlighted both the worsening security conditions and the mission’s importance.
He added that nearly 600 Pakistani peacekeepers were contributing to peace efforts through community engagement and conflict prevention initiatives.
Pakistan Supports Political Engagement
Pakistan welcomed recent progress on the political track between Sudan and South Sudan. Ambassador Jadoon encouraged both sides to continue dialogue despite internal political and security challenges.
He stressed the importance of mechanisms such as the Joint Political and Security Mechanism and the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee. He also called for continued support from the United Nations, the African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).
The ambassador said the deployment of formed police units and additional police personnel remained essential for UNISFA to fulfil its mandate effectively.
Call for Adequate Funding
Ambassador Jadoon urged the international community to ensure adequate funding for the mission. He said current conditions now allowed the deployment of additional police units.
He noted that timely deployment would strengthen law and order and improve civilian protection in Abyei.
Pakistan also reaffirmed its strong support for UNISFA, saying the mission’s continued presence remained critical for preserving fragile peace and supporting political engagement.
“We commend the mission and UNISFA peacekeepers for implementing the mandate under exceptionally difficult conditions,” Ambassador Jadoon said.