The United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) have denied interaction with members of the Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the disputed area.
A UNISFA press release dated December 12, said its troops had not encountered RSF elements within the Abyei area.
“The attention of the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has been drawn to a video circulating online alleging that its peacekeepers interacted with members of the Sudan Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in the Abyei area. UNISFA categorically denies these claims, confirming that its troops have not encountered RSF elements within the Abyei area,” reads the press release.
UNISFA noted that the false reports could undermine the Mission’s impartiality.
According to the press release, preliminary investigations revealed that on December 9, at approximately 1720 hours, a UNISFA logistics convoy from the Kadugli Logistics Base to Tishwin was temporarily stopped by RSF personnel near Kharasana, 155km from Kadugli, the Headquarters of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.
Consequently, it went on, RSF requested clearance for the convoy, and the commander explained UNISFA’s mandate and the purpose.
The convoy reportedly resumed movement within an hour and reached Tishwin at 2200 hours.
UNISFA later confirmed that there was no escalation during the interaction.
The press release disclosed that further investigations were ongoing to establish additional facts, while ensuring the integrity of UNISFA’s operations and personnel.
The Mission reaffirmed its commitment to working with all stakeholders to fulfill its mandate.
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was deployed to the disputed territory of Abyei in June 2011 to protect civilians under the imminent threat of physical violence.