In a statement issued on Thursday, the Mission confirmed that the decision was taken after a comprehensive security assessment found that conditions in Kadugli no longer allow the UN to operate safely.

UNISFA described the weekend assault as a “heinous attack” and said the deteriorating security situation had “disabled the capacity for the UN to function in the area.” The decision to withdraw was communicated to the relevant Sudanese authorities.

UNISFA was established in 2011 to support stability in Abyei, the disputed oil-rich region between Sudan and South Sudan. Its mandate includes monitoring the redeployment of forces, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and protecting civilians living in the volatile border area.

The evacuation follows growing concerns raised at the UN Security Council about the impact of Sudan’s ongoing conflict on peacekeeping operations. Last month, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Pobee warned that progress on the political track had been slow since the outbreak of war in 2023, while instability in neighbouring South Sudan was compounding regional tensions.

Pobee also cautioned that the operational environment in Kadugli had become untenable, with continued fighting placing peacekeepers at serious risk.

Despite the withdrawal, UNISFA reaffirmed its commitment to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, which is aimed at reducing tensions and preventing conflict along the Sudan–South Sudan border.

The Mission confirmed it is closely monitoring developments on the ground and will reconsider resuming activities in Kadugli when security conditions improve.

The attack highlights the growing dangers faced by peacekeepers operating in Sudan, where fighting between rival forces has intensified, and civilian protection efforts have become increasingly difficult.

–UN/ChannelAfrica–