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.
1 Mar
2010
UNMIS handed over 610 footballs for disadvantaged and internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Sudan Football Association (SFA) in Khartoum during a ceremony on 24 February.
Chairing the event, Khartoum Legislative Assembly Speaker Mohammed Al Sheikh Madani thanked UNMIS for its support, stating, "This contribution will encourage SFA and sports in Sudan as a whole."
Also attending was UNMIS Chief of Staff Farid Zarid, who noted that the contribution was the beginning of possible future cooperation between the SFA and the mission. "Youths are the future of our society, so any investment for the youth is simply a noble investment for long lasting peace in Sudan."
Sudan Football Association President Kamal Hamid Shaddad commented, "Though it's a modest contribution it's a good beginning. All the balls are high quality first class balls and can sustain at least the next two football seasons in Sudan".
By encouraging youth to engage in sport, it was felt the project would help build peace and improve security throughout the country. UNMIS will distribute the balls where it has a presence, while the rest will be handed over through the SFA to local football associations for distribution to IDPs and the disadvantaged.