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.

Secretary-General’s referenda panel begins first visit

11 Oct 2010

Secretary-General’s referenda panel begins first visit

10 October 2010 - Members of the UN Secretary-General's panel tasked with monitoring the upcoming referenda on self-determination in Sudan arrived today in Khartoum to begin their first visit to the country.

The three-member panel, which will operate independently of the UN Mission in Sudan, is scheduled to visit Khartoum, Juba and Abyei.

Panel members, whose visit will conclude on 15 October, will speak with senior officials from the Government of Sudan, Government of Southern Sudan, Southern Sudan Referendum Commission, UN, diplomatic corps, observer groups and civil society representatives.

The panel is chaired by Benjamin Mkapa, former President of Tanzania. Its other members are António Monteiro, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal, and Bhojraj Pokharel, former Chairman of the Election Commission of Nepal.

"I am looking forward to this visit and the opportunity to meet with all the people who can help ensure that these referenda in Southern Sudan and the Abyei Area are successful," Mr. Mkapa said. "There are many challenges ahead of us in the next few months but we are determined to do our utmost to help the people of Sudan."

The panel will play a good offices role to strengthen confidence in the referenda process, which is Sudanese-led, and to encourage the parties and relevant authorities to resolve any significant problems or disputes as they emerge.

Two referenda are slated for 9 January 2011 -- one in which the people of Southern Sudan will vote for either unity or secession, and another in which the people of the Abyei Area will vote to remain in the north or become part of the south.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon formed the panel after a request from the parties to Sudan's Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), who sought a UN monitoring body to help enhance the credibility of the referenda and therefore ensure the acceptance of their result by their constituencies and the international community.

The panelists will make periodic visits to Sudan in the lead-up to and during the referenda and report back to the Secretary-General on their findings, and will be assisted by field staff across the country.