UNSG advocates mandate extension for Unficyp
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has recommended extending the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) until January 31, 2026. In his latest report to the Security Council, covering developments between
The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has recommended extending the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (Unficyp) until January 31, 2026. In his latest report to the Security Council, covering developments between June 13 and December 11, 2024, Guterres highlighted ongoing challenges in maintaining peace and stability on the island, alongside some positive developments in dialogue between the two Cypriot communities.
The report, issued under Security Council symbol S/2025/6, follows the adoption of resolution 2723 (2024). It outlines the continued efforts of Unficyp to uphold its mandate, prevent military escalation and facilitate intercommunal engagement amid ongoing political and security tensions.
Progress in dialogue and intercommunal cooperation
A key development was the October 15 agreement by the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders, Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, to explore opening new crossing points. This initiative, pursued under the guidance of the UN Special Representative and Deputy Special Adviser, aims to foster connectivity between the communities.
Unficyp supported broader intercommunal engagement on common issues during the reporting period, with civil society participation increasing. However, despite these efforts, divisive narratives around the island’s history often overshadowed peacebuilding initiatives, with Guterres lamenting the prevalence of rhetoric recalling the island’s tragic past.
Buffer zone violations and military concerns
Unficyp documented 227 military violations during the reporting period, including 118 by Turkish Forces and 109 by the National Guard. These violations included unauthorised military constructions, which accounted for 57 per cent of reported incidents. Both sides enhanced their military and security infrastructure, with significant installations along the buffer zone.
The Republic of Cyprus added 31 surveillance towers, eight equipped with cameras, along with 21 standalone surveillance cameras. Turkish forces installed 49 new surveillance towers, nearly all equipped with cameras, and increased their total number of camera installations along the northern ceasefire line to 114.
“The installation of military-grade surveillance systems along the buffer zone, with potential for military operations, remains a significant concern,” the report noted. Such installations risk undermining the buffer zone’s neutrality and are perceived as territorial claims, contrary to Unficyp’s mandate.
Additionally, both sides engaged in “move forward” violations and overmanning, further eroding respect for the mission’s authority. The National Guard reportedly pushed asylum seekers back into the buffer zone, while Turkish forces advanced on a temporary UN asylum-seeker camp, withdrawing only after Unficyp intervened.
Varosha
The report expressed concern over the lack of progress in reversing unilateral actions in Varosha, the fenced-off area of Famagusta. Despite calls from the Security Council in resolution 2373 (2024), no steps were taken to address actions initiated in October 2020.
During the reporting period, Turkish forces installed additional surveillance equipment in Varosha, including eight cameras and a new surveillance tower. The mission observed ongoing infrastructure work, such as road paving, vegetation clearing, and fence building. Visitors continued to access parts of the area, although Unficyp patrols faced significant restrictions.
Humanitarian challenges and refugee issues
Pushbacks of asylum seekers remained a pressing concern. Between June and November, 142 asylum seekers, including 35 children, were stranded in the buffer zone due to actions by Cypriot authorities. Humanitarian aid was provided in coordination with UNHCR, and all individuals were eventually transferred to reception centres.
Despite these efforts, the report noted 137 incursions by Cypriot police linked to pushback operations, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing migration issues humanely.
Military escalation risks
The report documented further militarisation of civilian structures, blurring the line between civilian and military facilities. For example, a research institute near the buffer zone incorporated reinforced firing ports into its perimeter wall under ministry of defence instructions. Additionally, the National Guard installed 10 prefabricated concrete firing positions along the Pyla/Pile plateau, bringing the total to 339 since 2019, with 13 located within the buffer zone.
Both sides also maintained trench systems along the ceasefire lines, reflecting broader efforts to harden defensive positions. While dialogue between opposing forces improved during the reporting period, with increased engagement at senior levels, significant tensions persisted.
Guterres emphasised the need for both sides to halt violations, remove unauthorised installations, and avoid unilateral actions that could escalate tensions. He reiterated that Unficyp is the sole entity authorised to delineate the buffer zone and enforce its neutrality.
Regarding Varosha, the Secretary-General called for compliance with Security Council resolutions and meaningful dialogue to resolve disputes. He also urged the removal of the concertina wire fence installed by the Republic of Cyprus inside the buffer zone, which has proven ineffective in curbing migration flows.
Despite ongoing challenges, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of sustained international support for UNFICYP’s efforts. He noted that regular dialogue between military representatives on both sides provided a crucial mechanism for de-escalating tensions and maintaining stability.
Conclusion
The Secretary-General’s report underscores the complexities of maintaining peace in Cyprus, where political, security, and humanitarian issues intersect. While there has been progress in fostering intercommunal dialogue, the persistence of military violations, tensions in Varosha, and challenges surrounding migration and asylum seekers require continued attention from the international community.
Unficyp remains a vital stabilising force on the island, but its success hinges on the commitment of all stakeholders to uphold its mandate and engage in constructive dialogue.
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