The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has strongly condemned the recent carjacking incidents by unidentified gunmen targeting its personnel and contractors in northern Abyei.
UNISFA said in a press release extended to Radio Tamazuj on Friday that in the past two weeks, two separate incidents had been recorded near Baloom Junction along the main supply route in Sector North.
“During these incidents, the gunmen also seized personal belongings of staff while subjecting them to rough physical treatment,” reads the press release.
It adds that the carjacking were not only unacceptable but posed a serious threat to the safety and security of peacekeepers and may potentially hinder the effective implementation of UNISFA’s mandate.
“While UNISFA has instituted investigations, it reiterates that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and calls on those responsible for these criminal acts to immediately cease such actions and return the stolen assets,’’ the press release further says.
UNISFA urged the authorities and community leaders in Abyei to work closely with it in its investigations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The Mission said it was putting in place measures to enhance the protection of its personnel and assets while remaining committed to the implementation of its mandate.
The UN interim force for the disputed territory of Abyei was set up by the Security Council in June 2011 following tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.