Indian peacekeepers serving in Abyei, a contested, oil-rich border region between Sudan and South Sudan, were honoured by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for their outstanding dedication and service in one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones.
The medals were presented by Major General Robert Yaw Affram, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNISFA, during an official ceremony recognizing the Indian battalion’s contribution to peace, stability, and humanitarian support in the region.
About UNISFA (United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei)
- Established: 27 June 2011
- By: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1990 (2011)
- Headquarters: Abyei, along the Sudan–South Sudan border
- Purpose:
- To monitor and verify the demilitarization of the Abyei Area
- To protect civilians and humanitarian workers
- To ensure the withdrawal of unauthorized forces
- To facilitate dialogue and stability between Sudan and South Sudan
- Current Head of Mission / Force Commander: Maj Gen Robert Yaw Affram (Ghana)
- Type of Operation: UN Peacekeeping Mission under Chapter VII of the UN Charter
Abyei Region
Location: On the border between Sudan and South Sudan
Significance:
- A resource-rich region, especially in oil, and a key transport corridor for petroleum exports.
- Considered a flashpoint of conflict between the two nations since South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
Special Status:
- Defined under the 2004 Abyei Protocol, part of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended the Second Sudanese Civil War (1983–2005).
- The region was granted “special administrative status” and placed under international supervision until a final settlement is reached.
Challenges:
- Recurring violence, tribal clashes, and delayed political settlement continue to make Abyei a hotspot for UN peacekeeping efforts.
India’s Role in UNISFA
- India’s battalion and military observers form a crucial part of UNISFA’s operations.
- Indian troops are engaged in:
- Civilian protection
- Humanitarian aid facilitation
- Dialogue and peacebuilding support
- Monitoring ceasefire violations
- India’s involvement exemplifies its commitment to the UN Charter, conflict prevention, and Africa’s peace and stability.
India’s Broader Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
- India- One of the largest troop-contributing nations (TCNs) to UN Peacekeeping since the 1950s.
Participation Summary:
- Personnel Deployed (since 1950s): Over 290,000 across 50+ missions
- Current Deployments: Around 5,000 Indian personnel in 9 active UN missions
- Casualties: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the line of duty — one of the highest among UN members.
Notable Features of India’s Peacekeeping Role:
- Leading medical units, engineering contingents, and military staff officers.
- All-women police contingents deployed (notably in Liberia) — promoting gender inclusivity in UN operations.
- Indian officers have served in senior UN leadership roles in peace missions worldwide.
India’s Stand:
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describes peacekeeping participation as “a reflection of India’s faith in multilateralism and cooperation for global peace.”
About UN Peacekeeping
- Established: 1948 (First mission – UNTSO in the Middle East)
- Headquarters: New York, USA
- Purpose:
- Maintain international peace and security
- Assist in political processes and post-conflict recovery
- Protect civilians and human rights
- Support disarmament and elections in fragile states
- Current UN Peacekeeping Missions (as of 2025): 12 active missions globally (including in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia)
- Command Structure:
- Operates under the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), United Nations Secretariat.
- Authorized by the UN Security Council (UNSC).
Key Facts
- UN Headquarters: New York City, USA
- Current UN Secretary-General (as of 2025): António Guterres (Portugal)
- India’s First Participation in UN Peacekeeping: Korea (1950–53) during the Korean War (Custodian Force of India)
- Other Key Indian-led UN Missions:
- Congo (ONUC, MONUC, MONUSCO)
- Lebanon (UNIFIL)
- Sudan/South Sudan (UNMIS, UNMISS)
- Ethiopia-Eritrea (UNMEE)
- UNISFA Member Countries: India, Ghana, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and others.
Significance of India’s Recognition at UNISFA
- Reinforces India’s global leadership in peacekeeping diplomacy.
- Showcases India’s commitment to Africa’s stability and UN multilateral cooperation.
- Highlights India’s operational excellence, discipline, and humanitarian focus in international missions.
- Strengthens India’s soft power and its image as a responsible global actor promoting “peace through partnership.”