United Nations Security Council to Vote on Ending Political Mission in Sudan
The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on Friday to terminate a political mission in war-torn Sudan. This decision comes after Sudan’s acting foreign minister expressed disappointment with the mission’s performance earlier this month. The mission, known as UNITAMS, was established in June 2020 to support Sudan during its transition to democratic rule.
Background of the Conflict
Tensions between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalated in April, leading to a full-blown war. The conflict arose from disagreements over a plan to integrate forces as part of the country’s transition from military rule to civilian democracy. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as a failure of the generals involved, stating that they disregarded the interests of their population.
Resolution Details
The draft council resolution calls for the termination of UNITAMS’ mandate on December 3rd and requires the mission to wind down over the next three months. The resolution emphasizes the importance of an orderly transition and liquidation of UNITAMS to ensure the safety of UN personnel and the effective functioning of all UN operations, including humanitarian and development assistance. It also highlights the continued presence of a UN country team providing humanitarian and development aid in Sudan.
Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The situation in Sudan has been described as a humanitarian crisis, with violence against civilians reaching alarming levels. Ethnic violence in the western region of Darfur has escalated, leading to further suffering for the population. A senior United Nations official warned that the violence is “verging on pure evil.” Despite the termination of the political mission, the UN spokesperson emphasized that the United Nations remains committed to providing dire humanitarian aid to those in need.
Continued UN Involvement
While the political mission is coming to an end, the United Nations is not leaving Sudan entirely. The country will still have a significant presence of UN humanitarian colleagues who are dedicated to assisting the population in need. This includes providing essential aid and support to those affected by the ongoing crisis. The UN’s commitment to Sudan remains strong, even as the political mission concludes.
Appointment of a New Special Envoy
Last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran Algerian diplomat Ramtane Lamamra as his personal envoy for Sudan. This move demonstrates the UN’s continued commitment to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and supporting Sudan’s transition to democratic rule. The draft Security Council resolution encourages all parties involved to cooperate with the new envoy.
Conclusion
The United Nations Security Council’s vote to end the political mission in Sudan reflects the disappointment expressed by Sudan’s acting foreign minister regarding the mission’s performance. While the mission is being terminated, the United Nations remains committed to providing humanitarian and development aid to the country. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan require continued international support and efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution. With the appointment of a new special envoy, the UN aims to facilitate dialogue and cooperation among all parties involved. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of the Sudanese population and support their transition to democratic rule.