UN political mission in Sudan to end on Sunday

According to Reuters, the United Nations political mission in Sudan is set to come to an end on Sunday per a decision by the U.N. Security Council, which was made following a request from the country’s acting foreign minister last month.

A conflict broke out on April 15 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces after escalating tension over a plan to integrate forces as part of the country’s transition from military rule to civilian democracy.

The resolution, drafted by the British, calls for the termination of the U.N. mission, known as UNITAMS, on Dec. 3 and mandates it to wind down over the following three months. The primary purpose of UNITAMS, which was established in June 2020, was to provide support to Sudan during its political transition to democratic rule.

James Kariuki, the deputy British U.N. Ambassador, highlighted that the Sudanese authorities are responsible for the safety and security of UNITAMS staff and assets during the transition and emphasized the importance of their cooperation in allowing for an orderly withdrawal.

As the humanitarian crisis in Sudan worsens and ethnic violence escalates in the western region of Darfur, a senior United Nations official described the violence against civilians as “verging on pure evil.” Nearly 25 million people in Sudan, half of the population, are in need of help, according to the U.N.

The U.N. country team providing humanitarian and development aid will continue its presence in Sudan. Dafallah Alhaj, an envoy to Sudan’s army chief Abdel-Fattah al-Burhan, affirmed the government’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the U.N. by strengthening cooperation with the country team. He also emphasized the top priority of delivering humanitarian aid in the country.

In September, the U.N. special envoy to Sudan announced his resignation, more than three months after Sudan declared him unwelcome. Last week, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran Algerian diplomat Ramtane Lamamra as his personal envoy for Sudan. The resolution adopted by the Security Council encourages all parties to cooperate with the new envoy.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Sandra Maler)