Protection of Civilians in United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei - UNISFA: Legal Standards and Field Implementation

Author(s)	Mr. Jumanne Abdallah Sauji
Country	Tanzania
Abstract	This article explores the protection of civilians (PoC) under the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). It provides an in-depth analysis of the legal foundations of civilian protection, the unique operational challenges in the Abyei Area, and the strategies adopted by UNISFA in the absence of state institutions. Through field practices such as Joint Community Peace Committees, gender-sensitive patrols, and community liaison initiatives, the mission has succeeded in reducing violence and building trust among conflict-affected populations. However, constraints such as a limited mandate, lack of police or judicial authority, and difficult terrain continue to hamper the mission’s full implementation of its protection mandate. The article concludes by offering comprehensive recommendations for mandate revision, improved coordination with humanitarian actors, and long-term peacebuilding efforts. It emphasizes that effective civilian protection requires both international engagement and strong local ownership, especially in politically sensitive and stateless environments like Abyei.
Keywords	UNISFA, civilian protection, Abyei, peacekeeping, mandate, community engagement, gender, UN, PoC.
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 4, July-August 2025
Published On	2025-07-08
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i04.48759
Short DOI	https://doi.org/g9s88t

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