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.
3 Jul
2011
30 June 2011 – Preparations to celebrate Southern Sudanese independence on 9 July were well underway in Upper Nile State, a top government official said in the capital Malakal today.
Speaking at a ministry press conference, Upper Nile State Minister of Information and Communication Peter Lam Both said the Government of Southern Sudan had provided funding for the day's celebrations.
"We have received one million Sudanese pounds ($374,300) for the celebration in the state's capital and one hundred thousand Sudanese pounds ($37,400) for the celebration in each county," said Mr. Both, who also serves as secretary of the high committee for celebration of the independence of the South Sudan.
The minister said that celebrations in Malakal and the counties would take place on the same day. "Each county will delegate two members to participate in the celebration in Malakal town."
The high committee had begun to renovate Malakal Stadium, where the celebration would take place, and to level roads leading there, Minister Both said. "The renovation of the stadium is going well. It will be completed before 4 July."
He noted that some 3,000 students had been trained by the organizing committee to participate in raising the new nation's flag on 9 July.
Security for the day had also been arranged, the minister said. "We have put the security measures in place. We will not allow unauthorized persons to carry any weapons during the celebration."
The independence celebration high committee was formed by Upper Nile State Governor Mr. Simon Kon Pouch on 24 April and is chaired by his deputy, Andrea Maya.