S/2021/458 Security Council

In accordance with the procedure agreed upon by the members of the Security Council in the light of the extraordinary circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease pandemic, as set out in the letter dated 27 March 2020 from the President of the Security Council addressed to all members of the Council (S/2020/253), I would like to draw your attention to the following. The members of the Council have discussed a draft resolution, submitted by the United States of America, in connection with the agenda item “Reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan”. That draft resolution, contained in document S/2021/445 and enclosed herein, has been put into blue. In my capacity as President of the Security Council, I hereby put the above- mentioned draft resolution to a vote. The non-extendable 24-hour voting period for this draft resolution will begin at 3 p.m. on Monday, 10 May 2021. The non- extendable 24-hour voting period will expire at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 11 May 2021. Please submit your vote (in favour, against, or abstain) on the draft resolution, as well as your possible explanation of vote, by sending a letter signed by the Permanent Representative or Chargé d’affaires a.i. within the non-extendable 24- hour voting period set out above to the Director of the Security Council Affairs Division in the United Nations Secretariat (egian@un.org). It is my intention to circulate a letter listing the outcome of the vote within three hours of the conclusion of the 24-hour voting period. I also intend to convene a video-teleconference of the Security Council to announce the outcome of the vote shortly after the conclusion of the voting period, on the afternoon of Tuesday, 11 May 2021. (Signed) Zhang Jun President of the Security Council

The United States expresses its thanks to fellow Security Council members for demonstrating ongoing support to the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The people of Abyei deserve to live in peace without fear of violence. Resolution 2575 (2021), to renew UNISFA’s mandate, recognizes that the people of Abyei also deserve a functioning security and administrative arrangement that can offer the rule of law and stability. The United States welcomes continued cooperation between the Sudan and South Sudan to manage bilateral disputes by supporting peace, security and stability and encourages both countries to build on the commitments of the Juba Peace Agreement. In this context, we also call on them to prioritize the safety and security of civilians living in Abyei, find ways to improve governance and reduce the likelihood of violence and to determine the final status of Abyei. The United States urges all parties to reinforce their efforts to find ways to reduce tensions and to refrain from actions that could destabilize Abyei and endanger civilians. While South Sudan and the Sudan work together to reach agreement on Abyei, obstructions that prevent UNISFA from fulfilling its security and protection mandate must be lifted. This resolution to renew UNISFA reiterates the concern of the Security Council that withholding visas for United Nations police forces, blocking the deployment of a civilian deputy head of mission and denying access to the Athony Airstrip could create a security vacuum and logistical and safety challenges for UNISFA personnel. The United States looks forward to the outcomes of the Secretary-General’s strategic review of UNISFA. With shifting dynamics in the region, it is essential that we continue to assess how UNISFA contributes to the regional political and security architecture. UNISFA’s configuration and its exit strategy must take into account the current circumstances. This resolution encourages the African Union and other key stakeholders to intensify their mediation roles to establish temporary administrative and security arrangements and to engage on finding a resolution to the final status of Abyei. We urge the African Union to take advantage of this opportune moment to develop longer-term solutions that can be sustained after the departure of United Nations peacekeepers. The United States remains committed to supporting peace and security in Abyei and in the Sudan and South Sudan.