Following a request from the acting foreign minister of Sudan last month, the UN Security Council voted on Friday to close down a political mission that was operating in the war-torn country. As a result, the mission will conclude on Sunday.
After weeks of growing tension for a plan to combine forces as part of a transition from military rule to civilian democracy, a war broke out on April 15 between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
The resolution, which was drafted by the British, mandates that UNITAMS wind down over the following three months after its mandate expires on December 3. The 15-member council founded UNITAMS in June 2020 with the goal of aiding Sudan in its political shift to democratic governance.
“We reiterate that the Sudanese authorities remain responsible for the safety and security of UNITAMS staff and assets during this transition and call for their full cooperation in allowing an orderly withdrawal,” deputy British UN Ambassador James Kariuki told the council.
The United Nations has issued a warning that violence against civilians in Sudan is “verging on pure evil,” as ethnic violence in the western region of Darfur and the country’s humanitarian crisis both worsened last month.
A UN country team that is delivering development and humanitarian aid will stay in the nation, where the UN estimates that nearly 25 million people—roughly half of the population—need assistance.
