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.

Wonduruba Payam finds peace

5 May 2011

Wonduruba Payam finds peace

3 May 2011 – A three-day peace conference in troubled Wonduruba Payam (township) in Central Equatoria State concluded successfully today with adoption of a draft resolution calling on the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) president to decree Wonduruba a county.

Present at the conference, which drew some 1,500 participants, was Central Equatoria State Governor Clement Wani Konga and Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly Speaker James Wani Igga and Wonduruba Peace and Reconciliation Committee Juma Stephen Lugga.

The aim of the conference was to end differences and reconcile the pro-Lainya and pro-Juba groups, said Mr. Igga.

"In 2009, Central Equatorial State Governor Clement Wani Konga issued a decree annexing Wonduruba Payam from Juba County. The payam was put under the administration of the governor's office.

The pro-Lainya group wants the payam to be a part of Lainya County, while the pro-Juba group insists that the payam has always belonged to Juba County.

The two groups presented their position papers before agreeing to put their differences behind them and turn over a new, reconciliatory and peaceful leaf.

"You have reconciled and have accepted peace that comes from your hearts because there is no peace that comes from outside," said Central Equatoria State Political Adviser Jackson Abugo.

The Wonduruba people's draft resolution also resolved to forgive wrongs against them and seek legal means to resolve future conflicts.

"I am so happy today that we are putting an end to our differences," said pro-Lainya Chief Lodu Lotole "I want to assure you that, on behalf of the people of Lainya, the conflict between Wonduruba and us (the people of Lainya) has come to an end."

The peace conference was organized and facilitated by Peace Reconcile, Gadet Pentagon, Pact Sudan and UNMIS.

Separately on 2 May, Speaker Igga inaugurated Wonduruba Police Station to boost security in the area. The eight-roomed police station will house 15 Southern Sudan Police Services officers.

"Wonduruba has been lacking police for a long time," said the Constituency Development Committee for Wonduruba Payam Chair, Oliver Mori. "Today should mark the end of our insecurity."

Mr. Mori, however, added that 15 officers were insufficient to maintain law and order and requested an additional 10.