Sudan'sGovernment Stirs Controversy by Urging Immediate End to UN Mission
In a surprise move, Sudan's government has requested the United Nations (UN) to promptly wrap up the UN stabilization mission, Unitams, operating in the war-torn nation. The mission, featuring over 400 mainly civilian personnel, is to cease its operations with immediate effect as per a letter sent by Sudan's UN representation to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, citing the Foreign Ministry in Khartoum.
The letter, obtained by the German Press Agency and shared with UN Security Council members, highlights an escalation of tensions between the government and the UN.
A Glimpse into the Conflict
The Sudanese civil war, ignited in mid-April, pits the Sudanese army under commander Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Vice President Mohammed Hamdan Daglo. Both sides have been battling for supremacy without achieving a decisive victory. The UN mission, which has been present since 2020, is primarily advisory and lacks blue helmet deployment.
Consequences of Sudan's Demand
Relations between Sudan and the UN have been fraught with tension for months. The Foreign Ministry expelled German special envoy Volker Perthes in June, accusing him of stirring the Sudanese conflict. Lastly, Perthes chose to vacate his post to head the UN mission in Iraq in September, amid allegations of his instigation of the conflict in Sudan.
While a UN spokesperson indicated the need for a strategic review of the mission in Sudan to adapt it to the war conditions, a potential UN compliance with Sudan's demand could have far-reaching implications. It might set a precedent for other nations to halt UN missions, affecting current peacekeeping efforts in countries like Mali.
Subtle UN Involvement in Sudan's Crisis
Contrary to popular belief, the UN is not merely complying with Sudan's request to end the mission. Instead, it is vividly engaged in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and advocating for peace.
- Humanitarian Aid: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Ms. Clementine Nkweta-Salami, has pressed the international community to intensify efforts to end the conflict and ensure unhindered access for aid organizations to cater to millions of people suffering from acute hunger and disease[1][2].
- Government Support: The UN has backed the Sudanese government in addressing the crisis, advocating for open borders to enable aid deliveries[1].
- International Involvement: The UN is urging urgent collective support to mitigate the humanitarian catastrophe and promote peace in Sudan, harnessing international attention to the crisis[1].
- Human Rights Concerns: The UN has denounced the continuous and escalating shelling and aerial bombardment of civilians in Darfur and other conflict zones, branding it as a “brutal assault on human life”[2].
- Accountability and Investigations: The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan (CHRSS) has been extended, with the UN advocating for accountability and addressing human rights issues in Sudan holistically[3].
Unbeknownst to many, the UN is actively working towards resolving the humanitarian crisis and fostering peace in Sudan instead of merely heeding Sudan's demand to terminate the mission.
[1] UN Sudan:
[2] UN Sudan:
[3] UN Sudan:
