Mamabolo: Unamid set to exit South Darfur in June

The head of the African Union – United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Unamid) Joint Special Representative (JSR), Jeremiah Mamabolo, has confirmed that the full withdrawal of the mission from South Darfur is set for June.

During a visit to Nyala, capital of South Darfur last week, Mamabolo confirmed the timetable for the final departure date of the Unamid mission from South Darfur, and that the state government will be given all units and assets for civilian purposes, as promised by the state governor Adam El Faki, and submitted to the UN.

The official Sudan News Agency (SUNA) reports that Mamabolo announced the opening of service projects in the village of Otash, for the voluntary return of the displaced people which were implemented by a number of partners. He stressed the mission’s concern with voluntary repatriation in its remaining period in the state in coordination with the Qatari team and UN agencies.

He indicated that the Security Council resolution 2429(2018) has obliged the mission to exit and move to its new headquarters in Zalingei, Central Darfur, and to distribute some assets for institutions.

Overall the UN Security Council has extended resolution 2429 (2018) and the mandate of Unamid until 30 June 2019, which prepares to exit Darfur entirely by June 2020.

Mediation role

Mamabolo said that the mission is focusing these days on the mediation role and has contacts with Minni Minawi, head of the Sudan Liberation Movement-MM and Jibril Ibrahim, leader of the Justice and Equality Movement and taking into account Abdelwahid El Nur, leader of the mainstream Sudan Liberation Movement for boosting peace before exit.

He called for continuous efforts with UN agencies to fill the gap left by the mission, congratulating the state government on the success of the weapons’ collection project, the extension of security and stability as well as the achievement of tribal reconciliations.

He said the mission is very pleased because the state is working on the issue of security and stability that the mission is fully seeking, promising cooperation and coordination with the state government in implementing the weapons collection programme.