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.

Ban Ki-moon welcomes election date

12 Jul 2009

Ban Ki-moon welcomes election date

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed on 3 April the announcement that Sudanese national elections would be held in Sudan in February 2010, stating it would be an important step in consolidating the country's hard-won peace.

"The holding of nationwide elections is an important benchmark in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA)," Mr. Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.

Mr. Ban urged Sudanese authorities to proceed with necessary preparations according to the timeframe proposed by the National Election Commission (NEC), expressing hope that the National Assembly would urgently pass all relevant legislation.

"He further encourages all political parties to participate in this historic vote, which will further contribute to the consolidation of the ideals set out in the Interim National Constitution," the statement added. "The United Nations stands ready to assist the parties in the conduct of free and fair elections."