Mr. President,

France would like to wish you the best of success as you assume the presidency of the Security Council.

I would like to thank the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, Ms. Martha Pobee, as well as the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Guang Cong, for their briefings and remarks.

As has been stated, the pre-existing instability in Abyei has been exacerbated by the escalation of the conflict in Sudan, as well as by tensions in South Sudan. The United Nations’ presence is therefore particularly important. I would like to highlight three points.

First, we remain concerned about the regional impact of the conflict in Sudan, the risk of spillover to South Sudan, and its impact once again on Abyei.

France calls for the immediate withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces from the northern sector of Abyei. Their presence is in violation of the 2011 agreement and is intimidating local populations.

France condemns violations of civil and political rights perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces in Abyei. These violations fuel the climate of insecurity produced by intercommunal armed clashes and criminal activity.

In Sudan, there is an urgent need for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to resume negotiations to conclude a ceasefire without delay and to create necessary conditions for an inclusive, credible, and transparent political process.

Mr. President,

The Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities must engage urgently to lift the obstacles to the proper functioning of UNISFA.

The Security Council, by renewing the mission’s mandate, clearly laid out its expectations in this regard:

(i) the withdrawal of both parties, as well as all armed forces and unauthorized armed elements, present in contravention of Abyei’s demilitarized status;

(ii) the resumption of the meetings of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) with the participation of both parties to accomplish measurable progress on border demarcation;

(iii) the establishment of joint security forces in Abyei;

(iv) the issuance of visas to police and prison officers as mandated in the framework of the mission;

(v) the swift appointment of a civilian deputy head of mission.

We call upon the Sudanese and South Sudanese authorities to take necessary measures along these lines. These measures are crucial for the implementation of UNISFA’s mandate. However they are not intended to determine the Force’s future, which must be based on an analysis of the political and security situation on the ground.

Mr. President,

France welcomes UNISFA’s commitment and reiterates its support to it.

In the current context, UNISFA’s role is particularly decisive in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and promoting inter-community dialogue.

The Force is carrying out this indispensable work in a dangerous environment. France has condemned in the strongest terms the drone attack on the Kadugli base, which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine others last December. France reiterates its condolences to the authorities of Bangladesh and to the families of the victims.

Those responsible must be held accountable, as the attack led to the suspension of the physical presence of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, which had previously been deployed in the demilitarized border zone.

France encourages the Force to identify alternatives so that this joint mechanism can continue to implement its mandate to contribute to the stabilization of Abyei.

Finally, France expresses its support for the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Mr. Guang Cong, and his mediation efforts toward the full implementation of the 2011 and 2012 agreements.

France remains determined to support efforts to ensure the return of peace and the resolution of the conflicts affecting the Sudanese and South Sudanese peoples.

Thank you.