• The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) welcomed the deployment of the single largest all-women platoon of peacekeepers from India. The all-women platoon will join forces serving in Abyei , reaffirming India’s continued commitment to the implementation UN mandate in the region.

About Abyei

• The Abyei dispute is a long-standing territorial dispute between Sudan and South Sudan over the Abyei region.
• The area is rich in oil and is located on the border between the two countries.
• The dispute centers on the question of whether the region should be part of Sudan or South Sudan, and who has the right to administer and control it.
• The conflict has resulted in a number of violent clashes over the years, causing significant human suffering and displacement.
• Efforts to resolve the dispute, including through mediation by the African Union and other international organizations, have so far been unsuccessful.

UNISFA

• The United Nations Security Council established the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) through Resolution 1990, in order to provide security and protect civilians in the region, who were under imminent threat of violence.
• UNISFA’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of the Abyei Police Service (APS) by providing support, including personnel training, and coordinating with the APS on matters of law and order. UN and international peacekeeping efforts continue to be essential in maintaining peace and stability in Abyei.

About UN Peacekeeping Mission

• The establishment of UN peacekeeping missions is authorized by the UN Security Council.
• The aim of UN peacekeeping missions is to maintain international peace and security by preventing conflicts, protecting civilians and promoting sustainable peace.