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.

Kenyans demolish explosives in Aweil

22 Aug 2010

Kenyans demolish explosives in Aweil

19 August 2010 -- To ensure the safety of local residences, UNMIS Kenyan High Risk Demining Company (KHRDC) today demolished some 150 unserviceable explosives at Maluil Akong area near Aweil, Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State.

The mines and unexploded ordnances (UXO) were collected from the Joint Integrated Unit (JIU -- combined Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People's Liberation Army force) ammunition store in Aweil.

During the occasion, KHRDC Site Supervisor Lt. John Kuria said his company would demolish any remaining light ammunition for small arms in the JIU ammunition store in Aweil as well as other explosives in the state.

"As members of the UN mission here in Sudan, we will continue to work with the state officials and the people to demolish the remaining mines and explosive ordinance in order to make the area safe....... for all," said the supervisor of KHRDC, which is based in the Western Bahr El-Ghazal State capital of Wau

On 13 August, the KHRDC demolished 90 kilograms of explosives at Atandi village near Wau. KHRDC Wau Commanding Officer Maj. Cleophas Mundui said the mines and UXOs were cleared from a mine-detecting dogs' training center west of Wau.

"The total number of anti personnel, anti-tank and UXOs are 27 in number," said Maj. Mundui. "The Kenyan High Risk Demining Company ... is supposed to carry out manual mine clearance, patrol area clearance and explosive ordnance disposal."

Site Supervisor Lt. Kuria urged the public to inform his company whenever they came across explosives. "We are coming to help ... to get rid of anything that may be dangerous. So when you find something you don't know, just inform UN personnel and appropriate action will be taken."

Noting that the JIU ammunition store in Aweil was near a residential area, Maj. Mundui said his company was working with state officials to move it to a safer location.

"It is completely unsafe to store ammunitions around a residential area," the KHRDC Commanding Officer said. "We will continue to work with all concerned parties to clear and demolish them."