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.

SRSG views referendum progress in Malakal

21 Nov 2010

SRSG views referendum progress in Malakal

18 November – Whatever the result of the referendum in Southern Sudan, it has to result in a better future for the region, UNMIS Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) Haile Menkerios said today in Malakal.

The SRSG was visiting the area to familiarize himself with the Greater Upper Nile states, especially progress in preparing for the upcoming referendum (on whether the south remains united with the north or secedes).

Addressing mission staff at the end of his stay, Mr. Menkerios said UNMIS was assisting with the ballot itself as well as post-referendum processes.

"We will assist in the peace settlement between north and south after the referendum," he said. "Tension might happen, especially on the border demarcation issue, but ... war should not be used to solve any problem."

Accompanied by UNMIS Upper Nile Sector Coordinator Hendrik Bruyn, the SRSG met with Upper Nile State Governor Simon Kun Puoch and visited several referendum registration centres, including those at Teachers Institute and Malakal Shiluk.

During his visit to Malakal Shiluk, Mr. Menkerios asked Malakal County Referendum Sub-Committee Chairman Phoebe Ajang how people living far from the centre came to register.

"The referendum sub-committee provided boats to those who live on the eastern bank (of the Nile) and some cars to the ones who live on the western bank," said Ms. Ajang.

She added that about 300 people had registered each day at the registration centre in Malakal Shiluk, including southerners who had come from the north.

On 19 November, the SRSG travelled to Bor, Jonglei State, to meet with the local authority and UNMIS staff.