In a press statement released this week, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) affirms that “ there is no presence of SRF or any armed group within Abyei Box.”

The mission's spokesperson refers in the statement to “a recent media story carried by the Sudan Media Center on 06 August 2013 and credited to the co-chair of Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) Mr. Al-Khair Al-Fahim accusing UNISFA of 'turning a blind eye to the presence of Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) in the region'. The co- chair also insinuated that SRF insurgents are now stationed in East Abyei and called on the UN force to expel them from the area.

“Suffice it to say however that sometimes this year, few armed elements belonging to an unidentified faction attempted to infiltrate the Abyei Box through Turpadel-Um Khariet route. This attempt was however quickly detected and the rebel elements promptly expelled. Since then no attempt has been made by any armed elements to infiltrate the Abyei Box to the best of our knowledge.

"UNISFA has in place a well-planned and sustained daily road and aerial patrol system to deter any attempts by any armed group or elements to infiltrate its area of operation. The media story indicating that SRF insurgents are now stationed in East Abyei and that UNISFA has turned a blind eye to the presence of Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) in the region is baseless or at most a misrepresentation of facts.

“UNISFA is highly committed to working with all stakeholders in the Abyei conflict in order to fully implement its UN mandated tasks and would appreciate if information regarding its activities and operations is confirmed with Mission Management, which is very open to dialogue before making press statements that may undermine its efforts and determination in carrying out its mandate.

“UNISFA reassures all stake holders that it is fully committed to the implementation of its mandate of making Abyei Area arms free and creating a conducive environment for a political solution to the Abyei conflict, and a peaceful co-existence of all members of the Abyei community to enable them carry out their normal activities,” the press release concludes.

File photo: UNISFA (IRIN/Hannah McNeish)

Related: Abyei Committee blames UNIFSA for rebels presence (12 August 2013)