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.

Library corner and toilet block inaugurated at Blue Nile University

5 Oct 2009

Library corner and toilet block inaugurated at Blue Nile University

Celebrations in the state capital of Ed Damazin hailed the handover of toilet blocks at the University of Blue Nile State and the donation of books and computers by the UNMIS Pakistani military contingent in late September.

Sector V Commander Col. Zawar Hussein inaugurated the renovated lecture hall and block of 17 toilets at the university on 24 September. The Pakistani engineers' three-month-long project aims to provide a healthier and cleaner environment for university students.

"The task of renovating the lecture halls and toilets of the university may appear small," said Col. Hussein. "But it carries lots of essence as ... hygiene can neither be neglected nor be compromised."

The contingent also installed a new water tank, vent pipes, mirrors and an electric motor. The $9300 budget was financed by a Quick Impact Project grant from UNMIS.

"We have come closer and can work like brothers," said the university's dean of management sciences Adam Abakar Ismael in thanking the contingent. "This particular sector has been dealing diligently in all military and civil matters, which I sincerely appreciate."

The university in Ed Damazin hosted another ceremony three days later. Blue Nile State Deputy Governor Ahmed Kermino unveiled a new library corner to which the Pakistani contingent donated two computers, four book racks and 325 educational books on subjects ranging from engineering and computers to medicine and social studies.

"The Pakistani army of Sector V has opened avenues for academic development of the University of Blue Nile State," said librarian Ikhlas Abdel Majed.

Addressing the event, Mr. Kermino praised the Pakistani battalion for active involvement in projects that benefit the city's residents such as medical camps, the installation of water pumps, road building and de-mining operations.