The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei says it will evacuate its logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, following the “heinous attack” last weekend that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and severely injured eight others.

UNISFA, in a statement on Thursday, said the decision had been communicated to the authorities.

“The decision, which was communicated to the relevant authorities, follows an extensive assessment of the prevailing security situation in Kadugli, which has disabled the capacity for the UN to function in the area,” said UNISFA.

UNISFA was established in 2011 in Abyei, the disputed oil-rich region between Sudan and South Sudan.

Its mandate includes monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces from the region, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and protecting civilians.

In November, UN assistant secretary-general for Africa Martha Pobee told the Security Council that progress on the political track has been slow since the start of the Sudan war in 2023 and that increasing political stability in South Sudan has been slow.

She also said the operational environment in Kadugli “has become untenable” and the fighting was putting peacekeepers at risk.

UNISFA underlined its commitment to implementing the mandate of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

The mission is “closely monitoring the developments on the ground” and “will reconsider the resumption of our activities in Kadugli when the situation permits.

(NAN)