Sudan convenes first meeting of Abyei negotiating team

Sudan has taken a new diplomatic step towards addressing the longstanding dispute over Abyei, a territory claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.

Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mohieddin Salem chaired the first meeting of the National Negotiating Team for Abyei on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The meeting was attended by Transitional Sovereignty Council member Abdullah Yahya Ahmed and other members of the negotiating team.

The development, announced on October 16, marks a renewed effort by Khartoum to organise its diplomatic and institutional approach to the unresolved status of Abyei.

Negotiating team established by sovereign decision

The team was created under Sovereignty Council Chairman General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's Decision No. 400 of 2026.

According to reports detailing the decision, Sovereignty Council member Abdullah Yahya Ahmed was appointed chairman of the negotiating team, while Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem was named deputy chairman.

Other members include Peace Commission Chairman Dr. Suleiman al-Debeilo, officials responsible for border affairs, and representatives from relevant civilian, military and security institutions.

The team's responsibilities include coordinating negotiations, reviewing existing agreements and engaging with regional and international bodies involved in the Abyei issue.

Officials review developments and negotiating priorities

During the inaugural meeting, participants received a briefing on the current situation in Abyei and developments affecting the region's political and legal status.

The discussion examined existing bilateral agreements and the established frameworks governing the territory.

Officials also reviewed the team's work plan and the procedures required to implement the responsibilities assigned under the sovereign decision.

The meeting stressed the importance of strengthening coordination among members and intensifying efforts to fulfil the team's mandate.

However, no timetable for direct negotiations with South Sudan or specific new diplomatic steps was announced.

Abyei remains unresolved since South Sudan's independence

Abyei has remained one of the most sensitive unresolved questions between Sudan and South Sudan since the latter gained independence in July 2011.

The region's status has been shaped by the Abyei Protocol attached to the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the provisional administrative and security arrangements adopted in 2011.

Despite successive agreements and international mediation efforts, the two governments have not reached a final settlement over sovereignty, administration and long-term governance of the territory.

The unresolved dispute continues to affect political relations and security arrangements along their shared border.

United Nations peacekeeping mission remains active

The United Nations Security Council established the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in June 2011 following escalating violence and displacement.

The mission is mandated to support security arrangements, protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and help maintain stability in the disputed area.

In November 2025, the Security Council extended the mission's mandate until November 15, 2026.

Sudan's ongoing war and the difficult security environment around the border have continued to complicate efforts to achieve political progress.

South Sudan also advances preparations

The latest development in Khartoum follows separate preparations in South Sudan.

On October 8, South Sudan's national committee responsible for negotiations on Abyei's final status held an introductory meeting chaired by presidential envoy Adut Salva Kiir.

The meeting included senior defence and foreign affairs officials and members of the committee.

The two governments are therefore taking separate institutional steps concerning the disputed territory, although no jointly confirmed date has been announced for the resumption of direct negotiations.

Diplomatic efforts expected to continue

Sudan's decision to activate its national negotiating team underscores Khartoum's renewed attention to Abyei.

Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem has previously emphasised that the dispute should be addressed through dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for agreements concluded between Sudan and South Sudan.

The latest meeting establishes an organisational basis for further Sudanese diplomatic engagement.

Nevertheless, the final status of Abyei remains unresolved, and the announcement does not confirm that a new bilateral agreement has been reached.