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 commemorates World AIDS Day

8 Dec 2009

Sudan commemorates World AIDS Day

Focusing on the importance of voluntary testing, awareness-raising and equal rights, Juba, Malakal, Wau and Khartoum celebrated World AIDS Day in early December.

"People living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Sudan face discrimination ... some were dismissed from their workplace," said Lole Laila Lole, Chairman of the Southern Sudan Networks of People Living with HIV (SSNEPT) at the Juba commemoration on 1 December.

Speaking at the event, President of the Government of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir called for legislation tackling discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS and donated a land cruiser to SSNEPT in support.

"The number of people living with HIV/AIDS has increased, reaching an estimate of over 4,000 people on services," Deputy Chairperson of the Southern Sudan AIDS Commission Viana Kakuli said, with Yambio, Nzara and Tombura having the highest numbers of people living with the disease.

On the same day, Wau town of Western Bahr El-Ghazal celebrated with a procession to Freedom Square. Addressing the gathering, Peter Ngisanga, Coordinator of the State Commission for HIV said 115 of the 448 females and 76 of the 549 males tested were found positive between June and October 2009, and urged the population to get to know their status.

Khartoum celebrated World AIDS Day on 7 December with sports events to raise funds for people living with the disease, a candle light vigil and Sudanese music.