South Sudan’s Vice President for Service Cluster, Mr. Hussein Abdelbagi Akol on Wednesday visited the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on a fact-finding mission following the crisis in Agok between the Twic Dinka and the Ngok Dinka communities.
In a statement on Thursday, UNISFA said the vice president interacted with UNISFA leadership to assess its role during the clashes within the context of its mandate to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.
“The Force Commander and Acting Head of Mission, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr assured the investigating team that the interaction with the mission leadership would be beneficial to both parties and help find a lasting solution to the violence experienced within the Box,” the statement read in part. “General Sawyerr reiterated that UNISFA continues to operate under the United Nations principle of impartiality, integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. He further stressed that the mission would continue to prioritize security and the protection of civilians.”
The Vice President is quoted as saying, “It is important to note that this cooperation is vital for the protection and prosperity of the Abyei people and good working relationship between UNISFA and the government of South Sudan.”
He lauded UNISFA’s role of protecting civilians in line with the UN Security Council mandate and assured the mission of the government of South Sudan’s cooperation.