UNISFA: A Stable Season Expected Between the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka

moatinoon
The United Nations has confirmed that the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities have agreed to prevent conflict, safeguard livelihoods, and ensure the protection of civilians along seasonal migration routes. The international mission indicated that the current season is expected to be more stable, despite growing security complexities in the region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said that representatives of the two communities had signed an agreement to prevent conflict and protect civilians at the conclusion of a three-day conference that ended on Sunday.

The conference was organized by UNISFA, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Concordis International, with the participation of representatives from both communities, including leaders of the Joint Community Peace Committees, migration corridor chiefs, women’s groups, youth, and cattle camp leaders. Women made up 33% of attendees, while youth represented 22%. For the first time, representatives of the Nuer community were invited to the opening session, underscoring the emphasis on inclusivity.

During the sessions, UNISFA’s Acting Head of Mission, Brigadier Ameer Umrani, affirmed that the United Nations and its partners would rely on the conference’s recommendations when planning community and security interventions, despite current financial constraints. He stressed UNISFA’s commitment to civilian protection, promoting dialogue, and addressing the root causes of conflict.

At the conclusion of the conference, participants agreed to form four joint Misseriya–Ngok Dinka groups to work across three migration corridors to address hotspots, disseminate conference outcomes, update maps and routes, and introduce measures to reduce risks during the upcoming migration season.

Community leaders also called for stronger security measures at the Abyei (Amiet) market and for greater cooperation among youth and partners to curb criminality. They warned of the dangers posed by misinformation to peace and stability. The conference also addressed the challenges of climate change and proposed measures to mitigate its impact on local communities.

UNISFA reiterated its commitment to supporting peace and security in Abyei, urging all parties to implement the agreements to ensure a peaceful migration season amid growing pressure on resources due to rising displacement.

Abyei experiences two annual migration seasons: southward at the end of the dry season and northward at the start of the rainy season. Although the area faces heightened security risks this year, the mission expects the current season to be comparatively more stable.