On November 15, 2018, the United Nations Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) until May 15, 2019, while also reducing UNISFA’s troop ceiling and increasing its police presence. Acting under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, the Council decreased UNISFA’s troop ceiling from 4,500 to 4,140 and increased its authorized police ceiling from 50 to 345 police personnel. The Council also decided to renew UNISFA’s mandated tasks related to the protection of its personnel, facilities, equipment, and any civilians under any imminent threat of physical violence. The Council urged “continued progress towards the establishment of the Abyei Area interim institutions, in accordance with the Agreement on Temporary Administrative and Security Arrangements for the Abyei Area.” As noted in the press release, both Sudan and South Sudan welcomed the renewal.