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.

Sudan celebrates international peace day

11 Oct 2009

Sudan celebrates international peace day

Under the theme "Disarm Now for a Better World", International Day of Peace was celebrated throughout Sudan over the past few weeks with medical camps, poetry readings, dramas and even a peace quiz.

The Day, officially 18 September, was celebrated on 1 October in Kadugli to coincide with the 140^th anniversary of the birthday of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi, a staunch supporter of non-violence.

Organized by the Indian Embassy to Sudan, UNMIS Kadugli and the government of Southern Kordofan, the event was opened by Indian Ambassador to Sudan Deepak Vohra, accompanied by state Minister of Education Mohammad Mansoob.

The Kadugli celebration included painting, poetry and cultural competitions among students from area schools. A medical camp was also organized by the Indian contingent, with support from the Egyptian hospital, to provide free medicine and check-ups for children.

UNMIS Wau marked the Peace Day with a quiz for 500 area students from John Paul Secondary School on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the UN mandate in Sudan, human rights, health and the environment.

UNMIS Deputy Sector Commander Lt. Col. Isaac Muchendu drew the attention of Wau students to education, calling it the basis of peace and development. He stressed the need for teamwork at school and later in the working world to contribute in building the country.

State Minister of Information Col. Effisio Kon Uguak noted the role of the United Nations, initiated after the Second World War, had in maintaining world peace. He added that students were vital in disseminating values promoting mutual coexistence among Southern Sudanese communities, rather than tribalism.

In Khartoum, Sudanese students joined their counterparts in Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the United States in a special event linking them together via video conference.

Students from Khartoum International Preparatory School, Comboni College and Ahfahd University for Women used songs and drama to reflect the disarmament theme. A sketch entitled "Another Way, Another Life" focused on ex-combatant Nadir Amin Kamal, whose changed fortunes as a carpenter illustrated the benefits of ongoing disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) in the country.

As part of the post-conflict drive for peace, DDR shows battle-hardened combatants a way other than the gun, and a life other than in t he barracks.