Closure of UNMIS

UNMIS wound up its operations on 9 July 2011 with the completion of the interim period agreed on by the Government of Sudan and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed on 9 January 2005.

The mission ended its six years of mandated operations the same day South Sudan declared independence, following a CPA-provided referendum on 9 January 2011 that voted overwhelmingly in favour of secession.

In support of the new nation, the Security Council established a successor mission to UNMIS – the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – on 9 July for an initial period of one year, with the intention to renew for further periods as required.

Indians and JIU plant trees at Malakal university

20 Jul 2009

Indians and JIU plant trees at Malakal university

The Indian army contingent and the Malakal-based Joint Integrated Unit (JIU) joined forces on May 19 to plant 45 trees inside the Upper Nile University compound.

Led by Sector III Commander Col. Sandeep Jain, Indian troops and Sudanese members of the local JIU got out their spades to plant a variety of neem, peepal and mango saplings that are known for their environmental, nutritious and medicinal values.

"The trees and greenery will make the campus environment more comfortable," said John Deng, an Upper Nile University student at the Faculty of Public Health.

The university's acting Vice Chancellor Deng Akol Juach thanked UNMIS on behalf of both its faculty and students. "These trees shall remind us of our memorable association with UNMIS for a long time to come," he said.

Since its arrival in Sudan four years ago the Indian contingent has assisted Upper Nile University in a number of ways, ranging from the donation of books and the organization of academic exhibitions to the provision of veterinary education.
A greener environment on campus will hopefully offset some of the material damage inflicted on the university during violent clashes in Malakal in late February that killed at least 62 people.