8311th Security Council Meeting: Sudan and South Sudan

Adopting resolution 2429 (2018), the Security Council renews the mandate of the African Union‑United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), at 8311th meeting.

• Categories: Meetings & Events / Security Council
• Video Length: 00:09:05
• Production Date: 13 July 2018
• Asset Language: Arabic; Chinese; English; French; Russian; Spanish
• Corporate Name: AFRICAN UNION-UNITED NATIONS HYBRID OPERATION IN DARFUR - UNAMID
• Subject Topical: ETHNIC CONFLICT; PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
• Geographic Subject: DARFUR; SOUTH SUDAN; SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 2200277
• Parent Id: 2199641

Description

Deciding to extend until 30 June 2019 the mandate of the African Union‑United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), the Security Council today unanimously adopted a resolution, also stressing that the drawdown of the mission should be based on progress against related indicators and benchmarks.

By adopting resolution 2429 (2018) on the reports of the Secretary-General on the Sudan and South Sudan, the Council decides that Operation’s authorized troop ceiling should be reduced over the course of this mandate renewal period to consist of up to 4,050 personnel. It also authorizes the deployment of the necessary police force, not exceeding 2,500 personnel, including individual police officers and members of formed police units, essential for the implementation of the UNAMID mandate.

The Council further requests UNAMID to consolidate the whole-of-system approach to Darfur focused on peacekeeping and providing sustainable solutions to the drivers of conflict with the mission’s current two-pronged approach, to prevent relapse and enable the Government of Sudan, United Nations country team, civil society and other actors to prepare for the eventual exit of UNAMID.

It calls on UNAMID to work closely with the United Nations country team to identify ways to address gaps in capabilities to prepare for the mission’s exit, including a resource mobilization plan to deliver the transition of those responsibilities. The Council also calls on UNAMID, the country team and other United Nations agencies to coordinate in the transfer of responsibilities.

The Council also calls for an urgent end to intercommunal conflict, criminality and banditry that affect civilians and demands that all parties in Darfur immediately cease all acts of violence, including attacks on civilians, peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel. Further, it strongly condemns all killings resulting from intercommunal conflicts and other attacks against civilians by militia and armed elements and expresses deep concern over the continued large volumes of arms, particularly small arms and light weapons.

Emphasizing the primary responsibility of Sudan in the establishment of peace and security throughout Darfur, the Council urges the Government to focus its efforts in supporting and cooperating with UNAMID and the United Nations country team in fulfilment of its tasks. Further, it stresses the importance of adequate resourcing for the country team.

It takes note of the recommendation in the Special Report that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) should open an office in Sudan, and requests the Government engage in discussions with OHCHR about its establishment. The Council further emphasizes the crucial role that the African Union has in the stabilization of Darfur, encouraging the Government, UNAMID and the United Nations country team to engage with regional actors.

It urges close coordination among United Nations missions in the region, including UNAMID, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA).

Expressing concern over the insufficient availability of funding for humanitarian actors, the Council also demands that all parties to the conflict in Darfur create the conditions conducive to allowing the voluntary, informed, dignified and sustainable return of refugees and internally displaced peoples, or their local integration to a third location within the context of its protection of civilians mandate.

The Council further welcomes increased opportunities for explosive remnants of war clearance with improvements in the security situation in some parts of Darfur, and underscores that UNAMID, in cooperation with the United Nations Mine Action Service, should continue to undertake clearance efforts with a focus on areas of return.

It also requests the Secretary-General to report to the Council every 90 days following adoption of this resolution, including on information on the political, humanitarian and security situation in Darfur, including from areas where UNAMID has withdrawn.

Omer Dahab Fadl Mohamed (Sudan) said the reality on the ground in the five Darfur states is undeniable. Since 2015, Darfur has enjoyed security stability, including with regards to its humanitarian situation. Darfur does not rely on one or two documents alone. In fact, it is relying on the facts and the reality on the ground. Meanwhile, the Government recognizes the importance of the peacebuilding process. He called on the international community, the United Nations and donors to provide financial and development support to Sudan and stand with the Government to implement related plans as soon as possible. He also noted that Sudan has been removed from the list of violations against children. Adoption of today’s resolution has reaffirmed that “life in Darfur has returned to normal” following years of conflict. The Government of Sudan stood ready to continue to cooperate with UNAMID and other United Nations entities to continue to normalize the situation in Darfur, he added.