The United Nations Security Council has extended the mandate of the peacekeeping UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, UNISFA, until December this year.

It did not make major changes to the previous mandate of the force.

The Security Council adopted the resolution in a unanimous vote held earlier yesterday.

It decided to maintain the troops already deployed under resolution 2104 in 2013.

The council noted that the continuing tensions in Abyei and along the border between Sudan and South Sudan constituted a serious threat to international peace and security.

It also emphasized that UNISFAs protection of civilians mandate required the peacekeeping force to take necessary actions in order to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.

It says it will continue to send remaining authorized forces, consistent with the development of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.

The Council reiterated its demand that Sudan and South Sudan urgently establish the Abyei Area Administration and Council, urging the two governments to immediately take steps to implement confidence, and build measures among the communities in the area.

This includes the planned convening of a meeting between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya traditional leaders

Meanwhile the governments of South Sudan welcome the extension of the mandate of UNISFA in Abyei.

‘‘Solutions come when Sudan accepted to cooperate on outstanding issues to be resolved between Sudan and South Sudan. We welcome the decision, because at the end of the day we need to cooperate with international bodym,” said Ateny Wek Ateny, the Presidential Press Secretary.

The Council requested the Secretary-General to carry out effective human rights monitoring and include the results in his reports to the Council.