The UN Security Council has extended the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Abyei until the 15th of October 2014.
The 15-member body made the decision to maintain the operation of the United Nations Interim Force for Abyei in three separate resolutions, all of which were unanimously voted for by the members.
The United Nations peacekeeping force will be charged with ensuring the demilitarization of the area and maintaining security in Abyei.
In a statement, the Council also demanded that Sudan and South Sudan immediately resume the work of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee “to ensure steady progress” on the implementation of the June 2011 Abyei Agreement.
“[UNSC urges]….the two Governments to take all necessary steps to ensure that Abyei is effectively demilitarized, and to implement confidence-building measures among the respective communities in the area, including through reconciliation processes,” read the statement.
The agreement provides for temporary administrative arrangements for Abyei and the withdrawal of troops by both sides.
The United Nations Interim Force for Abyei was established to contain an outbreak of violence after Sudanese troops took control of the oil-rich area in 2011.