South Sudan and Sudan clash at UN over Abyei election plan
Khartoum warns Juba's move to include the disputed region in December 2026 polls violates agreements.
South Sudan and Sudan clashed at the UN Security Council over Juba's plan to include the disputed Abyei region in its December 2026 general elections. Sudan's UN representative, Al-Harith Idriss Al-Harith Mohamed, stated the move violated agreements and could undermine Abyei's final status resolution. South Sudan's representative, Sabino Edward Nyawella Amaikwey, defended the plan, arguing the rights of the Ngok Dinka population must be considered within the context of Abyei's unresolved status.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned in an April 16 to October 1 report that including Abyei in South Sudan's electoral districts could significantly increase political tensions. The final status of Abyei has remained unresolved since a 2005 peace agreement, which planned for a referendum that has not occurred due to disagreements over voter eligibility.
The Security Council also discussed the presence of South Sudanese forces south of the River Kiir and Rapid Support Forces in the north. Sudan raised concerns over both forces and the RSF's naming of a representative to the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee. South Sudan defended its forces' deployment as stabilizing and protecting civilians.
Why it mattersSouth Sudanese citizens and the Ngok Dinka population in Abyei are directly affected by the dispute over election inclusion and the unresolved status of their region.