Beyond the Blue Line: Tackling Climate, Peace, and Security Challenges in Abyei

Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, faces interconnected climate, peace and security challenges that affect local communities and the operating environment of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

 

Intercommunal tensions, displacement, economic hardship and persistent humanitarian pressures continue to shape Abyei’s security environment. At the same time, changing rainfall patterns, extreme heat, flooding and drought are affecting livelihoods and influencing local conflict dynamics. Extreme weather, particularly flooding, also constrains UNISFA’s mobility and access, complicates the resupply of equipment and, in some instances, undermines the mission’s ability to protect civilians and reach communities requiring assistance.

 

Drawing on the experiences of UNISFA, the report examines existing responses to climate, peace and security challenges and opportunities to strengthen them. It recommends greater integration of climate, peace and security considerations into mission planning, training, early warning and preparedness, alongside support for community-level adaptation and social cohesion.

 

This report is jointly produced by the Training for Peace project at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the joint Climate, Peace and Security Risk project of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and NUPI.

 

The Training for Peace Programme (TfP) is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway. The Climate, Peace and Security Risk project is co-funded by the Danish and Norwegian Ministries of Foreign Affairs.