Unamid extension of mandate begins

The Security Council, acting unanimously, yesterday decided to extend the mandate of the UN-AU Hybrid Operation in Darfur (Unamid) until 31 October, while also “temporarily and exceptionally” extending the period allocated for the mission’s drawdown.

According to a statement published on 26 June, the council has determined that the situation in Sudan “constitutes a threat to international peace and security”. Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, it will extend its mandate as set out in resolution 2429 (2018), and further decides to extend, temporarily and exceptionally, the period of withdrawal of Unamid military personnel from Darfur.

June 3 crackdown

As previously reported by Radio Dabanga, the AUPSC meeting heard from UN Peacekeeping chief, Jean Pierre Lacroix, that the bloody June 3 military crackdown in the capital Khartoum, had highlighted the central role of the Darfur-linked Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are reportedly made up largely of former Janjaweed militia, which has been accused of serious human rights abuses.

Lacroix said that the ruling TMC, which led the violent break-up of pro-democracy protests in the capital earlier this month, decreed on 13 May, that Unamid “hand over all ‘camps’ to the RSF, which is in contravention to the UN rules and procedures.”

RSF

The RSF, commanded by Maj Gen Mohamed Hamdan ‘Hemeti’ who is now also vice-president of the TMC, is widely accused of genocide and a litany of atrocities across Darfur.

In its new communiqué, the AUPSC says it rejects TMC Decree Number 102 issued on May 13, and calls on the TMC to rescind the degree “immediately, without conditions”.

It also demands that the TMC allow Unamid to hand over identified assets to civilian entities, underscoring that “Unamid assets disposal will only be carried out in accordance with UN administrative rules and regulations, as well as relevant decisions of the UN and the AU”.

Drastic change in Sudan

In the communiqué, the Council expresses its deep concern over the drastic change in security and political developments in Sudan which has contributed to the deterioration of the security situation in Darfur and has the potential to directly impact the achievements that have been witnessed in Darfur.

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