UN S-G pledges continued support for Sudan as UNITAMS withdrawal ends

As the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) completes its withdrawal from Sudan today, the UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated his call on the conflict parties to lay down their weapons and commit to broad-based peace talks that lead to the resumption of a civilian-led democratic transition.

In a statement issued by spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General reiterates his deep appreciation to all international and national UNITAMS personnel for their dedication and service to the people of Sudan throughout the Mission’s mandate.

A small team will remain in Port Sudan to oversee the Mission’s liquidation process, beginning on 1 March. “The Secretary-General counts on the full cooperation of the Sudanese authorities to ensure this process is completed as smoothly and swiftly as possible,” the statement says.

‘The United Nations is not leaving Sudan…’

“The conflict that continues to rage in Sudan is further eroding the rule of law and protection of civilians, as well as jeopardising the entire country and region. The Secretary-General calls on the conflict parties to lay down their weapons and commit to broad-based peace talks that lead to the resumption of a civilian-led democratic transition.”

Dujarric stresses: “The United Nations is not leaving Sudan. It remains strongly committed to providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and supporting the Sudanese people in their aspirations for a peaceful and secure future.”

The Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, has commenced his work in support of mediation efforts, in coordination and close partnership with African and other international partners. These mediation efforts will complement the ongoing essential work of the United Nations Country Team on the ground, which includes providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance. Continued international support in that regard is of critical importance. The Secretary-General calls on the Sudanese authorities to continue their cooperation, including through facilitating the timely issuance of entry visas and the unhindered movement of United Nations personnel and partners in the country to deliver this much needed support, the UN statement concludes.

UNITAMS wind-down

UNITAMS was established in early 2021, to replace the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) peacekeeping force in June the year before.

In December 2023, UNITAMS was instructed by the UN Security Council (UNSC) to begin the cessation of its operations, and transfer its tasks to UN agencies, funds, and programmes.

This followed the decision by the UNSC to terminate the mandate of UNITAMS, which was due to expire, adopting Resolution 2715 (2023). The mission immediately began winding down its operations over a three-month period slated to end today.

The resolution, which was carried with 14 votes in favour, none against, and one abstention (Russian Federation), was triggered by a letter to the UNSC from the Sudanese government in mid-November announcing a decision “to terminate the UNITAMS mission with immediate effect“.

The move followed months of friction between UN envoys and the Sudanese junta, which culminated in the resignation of UNITAMS head Volker Perthes in September. Perthes said that ongoing pressure on his person from the Sudan junta, including being declared persona non grata, had made is position untenable.

Tension

Former UNITAMS head Volker Perthes, who was interviewed by Radio Dabanga in May 2023, had a tenuous relationship with the Sudanese military government, especially since the start of the hostilities between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023.

In June 2023, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry communicated with the Secretary-General of the UN, António Guterres, informing him that Volker Perthes had been declared persona non grata in Sudan. The UN said at the time that this is contrary to the obligations of States under the Charter of the United Nations.

In May 2023, Lt Gen Abdelfattah El Burhan, Commander-in-Chief of the SAF and President of the Sovereignty Council requested UN Secretary-General António Guterres to replace Perthes.

In a short reaction to El Burhan’s letter at the time, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said that Guterres was “shocked” by the request to remove his envoy in Sudan.

“The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative,” Dujarric stated.