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.

New UNMIS commander arrives in Ed Damazin

3 Dec 2009

New UNMIS commander arrives in Ed Damazin

Replacing outgoing UNMIS Ed Damazin Sector Commander Col. Zawar Hussain, Col. Muhammad Muzahir of the Pakistani Army arrived in Sudan on 23 November.

Attending a ceremony in Ed Damazin bidding farewell to Col Hussain, Col. Muzahir commended his predecessor's achievements in maintaining security and "creating an atmosphere of peace and conciliation".

Outgoing Col. Zawar Hussain served as sector commander in Sudan for one year from 3 December 2008, achieving stability and an improvement in humanitarian conditions in Ed Damazin.

"During his tenure there has not been any a major accident or squabble between the factions," Deputy Governor of Blue Nile State Ahmed Kermino said at the ceremony. "He has discharged his duties with lots of compassion, fairness and neutrality."

During his one-year command, the contingent organized free medical and veterinary camps, constructed water pumps, roads and ablution facilities and cleared mine areas.