The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Aglaia Balta (Greece):
The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the drone attacks in the Abyei Area on 19 October near Amiet Market and Todach, which killed and injured many, including women and children.
The members of the Security Council extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of those killed and to the communities of the Abyei Area. They wished for the full and rapid recovery of those injured. They noted with grave concern that the death toll is expected to rise as the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) continues to verify casualties.
The members of the Security Council underscored that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks targeting civilians and civilian objects, and that such attacks could constitute war crimes. They reminded all parties to armed conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians. They called for a full, transparent and prompt investigation and stressed that the perpetrators must be held to account.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that the Abyei Area must remain demilitarized and free of all forces, except UNISFA, and called on all actors to cease all military operations and occupation in the Abyei Area. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for UNISFA and emphasized that all parties must work with UNISFA to ensure the safety and security of civilians, humanitarian workers and peacekeepers.
