The Security Council today voted to extend until 15 November 2027 the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), as well as its support for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.
Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, the 15-member organ adopted resolution 2838 (2026) (to be issued as document S/RES/2838(2026) ) by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with 2 abstentions (China, Russian Federation).
The resolution also called for a prompt, impartial and thorough investigation into the drone attack against UNISFA personnel in Kadugli on 13 December 2025. It further called for all parties to cooperate fully with the findings and recommendations following the Abyei Area Joint Investigation and Inquiry Committee’s investigation into the killing of a UNISFA peacekeeper and the Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief, following the release of findings by the African Union Commission.
United States, France Back Benchmarks
Council members were divided on the use of benchmarks. The representative of the United States welcomed the resolution for building on last year’s benchmarks, which tied the mission’s future to measurable progress by Sudan and South Sudan. “It states who must act, what they must deliver and how this Council will mark progress,” he said.
The parties must hold regular, results-oriented negotiations on Abyei’s final status and document the outcomes, he continued. Additionally, South Sudan must honour its commitment to withdraw its forces from southern Abyei on a defined timeline, while Sudan must ensure its armed forces refrain from any military operations in the areas. The Rapid Support Forces must withdraw from Abyei completely.
Sudanese authorities and the transitional Government of South Sudan must accelerate the establishment of the Abyei police service and expedite visas for all 640 authorized United Nations police. The United Nations must deliver the first formed police unit within six months and a civilian Deputy Head of Mission in three months.
“They will demand urgent and sustained action, not the slow incremental steps of the past,” he said. “We will judge them by what they deliver,” he added.
The representative of France also commended the continued use of benchmarks, crediting last year’s benchmarks with helping preserve gains.
African Members, China, Russian Federation Oppose Mandate Linkage
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s representative, also speaking on behalf of Liberia and Somalia, opposed the linking of future mandate extensions to political benchmarks. “The future of a peacekeeping operation cannot be subjugated to political progress, which, as far as the lion’s share is concerned, is beyond the mission’s control,” he stressed. Warning that such conditions could jeopardize civilian protection, he urged basing decisions on security realities on the ground.
China’s representative said that his delegation abstained on the vote because of its objections over linking future mission mandate renewals to political benchmarks. “The international community should fully respect the sovereignty and ownership of Sudan and South Sudan,” he stressed, urging patience with both countries. He welcomed progress in political consultations and praised UNISFA’s civilian-protection efforts.
The Russian Federation’s delegate said her country abstained because it was proposed that the Council base discussions on the elements of last year’s resolution, which did not enjoy unanimous support. She welcomed the last-minute removal of the unrealistic timelines for certain benchmarks. At the same time, a rigid linkage was maintained that tied the continuation of the mission to the success of the benchmarks.
She also took issue with specific benchmarks, noting that her delegation could not support calls in the text for Sudan and South Sudan to make haste in the appointment of a Deputy Head of Mission. This matter, she said, should instead be addressed to the Secretariat of the United Nations.
Pakistan Stresses Civilian Protection, South Sudan Seeks Consultation
Pakistan’s representative said that, while his delegation voted in favour of the resolution, it warned against conditions that could jeopardize the mission’s continued presence. “Decisions concerning the mission’s future must remain guided by the security situation on the ground, civilian protection needs and its continuing stabilizing role,” he said.
The representative of South Sudan welcomed the adoption of the resolution, but regretted that South Sudan, despite being the host country, was not formally consulted during the drafting process. He also regretted that some of his country’s concerns were not adequately reflected in the final resolution.
“Adding and expanding benchmarks in itself cannot guarantee progress,” he said. “The most important benchmark for all efforts should be the achievement of peace itself”.
