UN Security Council voted to end its political mission in Sudan on Sunday

The UN Security Council has voted to bring an end to its political mission in Sudan, known as UNITAMS, which was established in June 2020 to provide support to Sudan during its political transition to democratic rule. The decision to terminate the mission was made unanimously by the 15-member council on Sunday. It comes after months of deliberation and assessment of the progress made by Sudan in its journey towards democracy. UNITAMS was created in response to the popular uprising in Sudan in 2019, which led to the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir. The mission's primary goal was to assist Sudan in its transition to civilian rule, promote peace among different factions, and protect human rights. Over the past year, UNITAMS has played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations between the Sudanese government and rebel groups, particularly in the conflict-ridden regions of Darfur, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan. The mission has helped broker peace agreements and fostered dialogue to address the root causes of these conflicts. The UN mission has also worked towards strengthening judicial institutions and promoting human rights in Sudan. It has supported efforts to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators of human rights abuses and war crimes committed during the previous regime. Significant progress has been made during UNITAMS' tenure. Sudan has witnessed positive political developments, including the formation of a transitional government and the establishment of key institutions to oversee the transition process. The mission's presence has been instrumental in encouraging and guiding these reforms. However, while acknowledging the achievements, the UN Security Council recognized that challenges remain in Sudan's transition to democracy. The country continues to face socio-economic issues, regional conflicts, and the pressing need for justice and accountability for past atrocities. The Security Council's decision to end UNITAMS comes as Sudan prepares for its first democratic elections in 2024. The council expressed confidence in Sudan's ability to continue its democratic transition independently and encouraged the government to build on the progress made with the support of the international community. The termination of the political mission does not mean an end to the UN's engagement in Sudan. The council has authorized the establishment of a new United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission (UNITAM) to support Sudan during the next phase of its transition. UNITAM will focus on providing support in the areas of democratic governance, peacebuilding, and the protection of human rights. The mission will work closely with the Sudanese government and other stakeholders to address the remaining challenges and consolidate the gains made during the previous mission. The UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the Security Council's decision, hailing it as a testament to Sudan's progress towards stability and democracy. He pledged the United Nations' continued support for a peaceful and inclusive transition in Sudan. The international community has also commended Sudan for its commitment to implementing reforms and for the progress made in various areas. The European Union, in a statement, lauded Sudan's efforts and reiterated its support for the country's democratic transition. While the decision to end UNITAMS marks a significant milestone in Sudan's journey towards democracy, it also underscores the need for continued support from the international community. Sudan's transition remains fragile, and sustained efforts are required to address the complex challenges the country faces. As Sudan enters a new phase of its transition, the focus will shift from the immediate political and security aspects to long-term reform and development objectives. The government must ensure that the gains achieved are consolidated and that good governance, human rights, and the rule of law are upheld. Achieving sustainable peace and stability in Sudan will require concerted efforts from various stakeholders, including the Sudanese government, civil society, political parties, and the international community. It is crucial for all actors to remain committed to the principles of democracy, inclusivity, and respect for human rights. As Sudan bids farewell to UNITAMS, it embarks on a critical phase of its transition, with the hope of building a better future for its people. The journey towards democracy is not without its challenges, but with continued support and determination, Sudan can overcome these obstacles and emerge as a beacon of progress and stability in the region.