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.

UN Day marked in Sudan

26 Oct 2010

UN Day marked in Sudan

25 October 2010 – Commemorating 65 years since the organization's charter came into force, UN Day was celebrated throughout Sudan over the past few days with readings of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's message, town cleanups, free medical checkups, art exhibitions and other activities.

Government representatives and students from the Mibili Girls' Secondary School and John Paul Secondary school joined UN staff today (the actual date for the Day is the 24 October) at the Isaac Stadium to celebrate the Day in Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal State.

Reading Mr. Ban's message, UNMIS Sector Coordinator Ibrahima Ndiaye said that every year on this day the UN reaffirmed its global mission, and also resolved to more.

"More to protect those caught up in armed conflict, to fight climate change and avert nuclear catastrophe; more to expand opportunities for women and girls, and to combat injustice and impunity; more to meet the Millennium Development Goals," the Secretary General's message stated.

Marking the occasion, UNMIS contingents in Wau cleaned up the Teaching Hospital. In addition, the Chinese contingent carried out free medical checkups and provided free medicine for the hospital's outpatient department.

Hospital Director General Dr. James Okelo Margan thanked UNMIS for its continued support to the hospital, adding that the mission had provided similar services in the past.

"We as the peacekeepers are here today to show the people of Southern Sudan and especially Western Bahr El Ghazal that we are here to support them to be able to achieve what the UN is established for," said UNMIS Sector Commander Col. Johnson Ondieki.

Celebrating UN Day in Khartoum on 21 October, UNMIS sponsored a painting workshop for youth (aged 16-22) under the direction of Sudanese artists from the Rashid Diab Center. The paintings were exhibited on 21 October at the Center, with themes focusing on youth views/perspectives of peace in Sudan.

Two of the Rashid Diab participants were disabled, but were able to fully take part in the initiative with the help of sign language.