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.

Draft constitution presented to GoSS president

26 Apr 2011

Draft constitution presented to GoSS president

20 April 2011 – The technical committee formed to review Southern Sudan's interim constitution submitted a draft to the regional government in Juba today for further discussion and approval.

The draft and its recommendations, formally handed over to Government of Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, will be discussed by the region's political leaders to ensure that necessary views are included.

A 21 January presidential decree established a technical constitutional review committee to amend the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan 2005 (ICOSS) and prepare a transitional constitution to meet the requirements of an independent and sovereign state.

"We have done our preliminary part as requested. The draft amended interim constitution shall be known as the 'Transitional Constitution of South Sudan (TCSS) 2011'," said Committee chairperson John Luk Jok, who is also the Minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development.

Technical amendments to the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan will serve as foundation for the permanent constitution of an independent Southern Sudan, set to be officially announced on 9 July.

The review process was interrupted by disagreement, with some parties walking out for what they claimed was a lack of broader involvement, but a subsequent presidential decree appointed others to continue the job.

Mr. Jok noted that five out of 46 political party representatives had withdrawn on 17 March, in addition to one that had left previously.

"Those left contributed positively and in a productive manner in the deliberation,' Mr. Jok said. (They) maintained a high degree of objectivity."

GoSS President Salva Kiir thanked the committee and affirmed his commitment to share the TCSS with all political parties and council of ministers before approval.

The council of ministers and representatives from southern Sudan political parties will deliberate the TCSS. The final draft of the transitional constitution will be presented to the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (SSLA) for approval before 9 July.