New York: Europe and the Arabs
After the UN Security Council adopted Resolution No. 2715 two days ago, the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Sudan ended as of today, December 3, 2023. The resolution was issued by a majority of 14 members, in the 15-member Council, with Russia abstaining from voting.
The resolution calls on the mission to begin immediately, on the fourth of this month (tomorrow), to cease its operations and transfer its tasks to United Nations agencies, programs and funds, with the aim of ending this process by the twenty-ninth of February 2024.
The Council decides that the liquidation of the mission will begin on March 1. It calls on it to establish financial measures with the United Nations country team to enable the United Nations organization to supervise the remaining activities initiated by the mission known as UNITAMS.
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric confirmed that the United Nations had received a letter from the Sudanese government “announcing the government’s decision to immediately end the United Nations Integrated Assistance Mission for the Transitional Period (UNITAMS).”
Stephane Dujarric said that the Sudanese government "also announced its commitment to engage constructively with the Security Council and the United Nations Secretariat on a new agreed-upon formula."
The resolution recognized the work carried out by UNITAMS since its establishment, and took note of the letter of the Government of Sudan addressed to the President of the Security Council requesting the end of the mission’s mandate,
He stressed the importance of United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, and stressed the need for the transition and liquidation of UNITAMS to take place in an orderly manner in order to ensure the safety of UN staff and the effective performance of all UN operations, including humanitarian and development assistance.
The resolution called on all relevant Sudanese parties to fully cooperate with the United Nations during the transition and liquidation of the mission. The resolution also requested the Secretary-General to keep the Security Council informed about the transition and liquidation process.
The resolution also welcomed the appointment of Ramtane Lamamra as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General to Sudan, with the aim of using his good offices with neighboring parties and countries, to complement regional peace efforts, including the efforts of the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.
The resolution requested the Secretary-General to submit a written report within 90 days, and then brief the Security Council every 120 days on United Nations efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability.
Call for an immediate cessation of hostilities
The resolution expressed alarm at the continuing violence and humanitarian situation, in particular violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations and abuses of human rights, highlighting the serious impact on civilians.
The resolution called on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, facilitate the arrival of humanitarian aid, including by fulfilling their obligations in Jeddah, and seek a negotiated solution to the conflict.
The resolution welcomed the diplomatic efforts being made within the framework of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the leadership of the African Union, and welcomed the firm commitment of neighboring countries to support civilians who have fled Sudan.
The resolution encouraged international and regional organizations and United Nations member states to respond quickly to the growing humanitarian needs in Sudan and its neighbours, including the humanitarian needs identified in the Humanitarian Response Plan.
It is noteworthy that UNITAMS - a special UN political mission - was established in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2524, in June 2020.
International concern about the escalation of violence
In a press statement, the United Nations spokesman said that the country team in Sudan will continue its essential work, after the end of the UNITAMS mandate, including providing life-saving humanitarian assistance.
The statement conveyed the United Nations Secretary-General's expression of deep concern about the escalation of violence in Sudan and its devastating impact on civilians. He stressed that the Secretary-General will continue to engage with all Sudanese parties in support of the people's aspirations for a future characterized by peace and security.
The Secretary-General reiterated his call on the warring parties to reach an agreement on an immediate ceasefire and to engage in discussions to reach a permanent cessation of hostilities.
The Secretary-General affirmed his appreciation to all UNITAMS staff for their service to the people of Sudan and their ability to withstand, including following the outbreak of conflict earlier this year.
The Secretary-General thanked all partners who contributed to the implementation of the UNITAMS mandate, including the African Union, IGAD and the countries that provided support.