Sudan/South Sudan
May 2022
On 12 May, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2630 extending the mandate of UNISFA for six months. Following the adoption, Russia made a statement which referred to their proposal during the negotiations to add language on quick-impact projects and expressed regret that the penholder did not include this in the resolution.
April 2022
On 21 April, the Council was briefed on Abyei by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Hanna Serwaa Tetteh. Lacroix reported that, since October 2021, intercommunal violence had resulted in the deaths of 29 people and the humanitarian situation had deteriorated. There has been no progress on the deployment of the three formed police units mandated by the Council, he said, nor on re-opening JBVMM team sites 11 and 12 and the headquarters of Sector 1 in Gok Machar after UNISFA was forced to relocate following violence there last year.
December 2021
On 15 December, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2609, extending the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) until 15 May 2022. The resolution also extended until 15 May the mission’s support for the JBVMM. It reduced the authorised troop ceiling from 3,550 to 3,250 and maintained the authorised police ceiling at 640 police personnel, including 148 individual police officers and three formed police units. The resolution expressed the Council’s serious concern about the delayed issuance of visas for UNISFA staff by Sudan, which is a key factor obstructing the deployment of the mission’s police personnel.
November 2021
On 15 November, the Council adopted a technical rollover resolution extending UNISFA’s mandate for one month until 15 December. The decision to do so was influenced by the situation in Sudan following the military takeover in October.
October 2021
On 13 October, Security Council members were briefed under “any other business” by Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee on the deterioration of the situation in Gok Machar, South Sudan, including threats to the safety and security of peacekeepers. An Ethiopian peacekeeper died in Gok Machar on 14 September, after being denied medical evacuation. Council members issued a press statement on 15 October that reiterated their full support for UNISFA and expressed concern that the full implementation of the mission’s mandate was being obstructed. Council members further demanded that the government of South Sudan facilitate the unimpeded implementation of UNISFA’s mandate. The Council was briefed on Abyei on 27 October 2021 by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix; the Secretary-General’s then-Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga; and the Chairperson of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel, Thabo Mbeki.
May 2021
On 11 May, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2575, renewing the mandate of UNISFA and the mission’s support for the JBVMM until 15 November. The resolution maintained the authorised troop and police ceilings at 3,550 and 640 personnel, respectively. It requested the Secretary-General to provide the Council with a strategic review of UNISFA by 30 September.
April 2021
The Council was briefed on Abyei on 26 April by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.
November 2020
On 12 November, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2550, renewing the mandate of UNISFA and the mission’s support for the JBVMM until 15 May. It maintained the authorised ceilings of 3,550 troops and 640 police. The resolution contained new language in relation to an exit strategy for UNISFA. It requested the Secretary-General to develop options for the responsible drawdown and exit of the mission and to submit a report on these no later than 31 March.
October 2020
On 22 October, the Council was briefed on Abyei by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Parfait Onanga-Anyanga. Lacroix emphasised that the low number of police officers “will inevitably lead to the closure of some team sites…and will have a negative impact on the mandate implementation”. UNISFA has reported 11 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, with no new positive cases recorded since July, Lacroix said.
May 2020
On 14 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2519 extending the mandate of UNISFA, as well as its support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, until 15 November (S/2020/408). The resolution maintained the mission’s troop and police ceilings. It was adopted through a written procedure under temporary, extraordinary and provisional measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 2019
On 14 November, the Council adopted resolution 2497 renewing the mandate of UNISFA until 15 May 2020. The resolution maintains the authorised troop ceiling at 3,550 and the police ceiling at 640. The resolution also extends the mission’s support for the JBVMM, established in 2011 to conduct monitoring and verification activities along the Sudan-South Sudan border, until 15 May 2020.
October 2019
On 15 October, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2492 extending UNISFA’s support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism until 15 November. On 24 October, the Council was briefed on the Secretary-General’s most recent report by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga (the latter via video teleconference). Lacroix referred to the “unprecedented opportunity” to resolve the border‑related issues between Sudan and South Sudan, adding that the two countries need to resume direct talks immediately to resolve the final status of Abyei.
July 2019
On 18 July, Council members issued a press statement that condemned the attack on 16 July by unknown assailants on peacekeepers of UNISFA, which resulted in the death of one peacekeeper.
May 2019
On 14 May, the Security Council unanimously adopted renewing the mandate of UNISFA until 15 November 2019 (S/PV.8524). The resolution decided to reduce the authorised troop ceiling to 3,550 and increase the authorised police ceiling to 640 personnel. It also requested the Secretary-General to appoint a civilian Deputy Head of Mission for UNISFA.
November 2018
On 15 November, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2445, extending until 15 May 2019 the mandate of UNISFA (S/PV.8400). The resolution reduced the authorised troop ceiling of the mission from 4,500 to 4,140 and decided to reduce the troop ceiling by a further 295 troops following the start of the deployment of increased police personnel. As of 15 April 2019, the authorised troop ceiling will decrease by a further 557 troops, unless the Council decides to extend the mission’s support to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism.
October 2018
On 11 October, the Security Council unanimously renewed until 15 April 2019 the support of UNISFA to the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM), established in 2011 to conduct monitoring and verification activities along the Sudan-South Sudan border. Resolution 2438 decided to maintain UNISFA’s troop ceiling of 4,500 until 15 November, the expiration date of the current UNISFA mandate. As of 15 April 2019, however, the authorised troop ceiling will decrease by 541 troops—the number of troops required for the mission’s support to the JBVMM—unless the Council decides to extend such support. As in previous resolutions, it decided that this will be the final extension of support to the JBVMM unless both parties demonstrate measurable progress on specific border demarcation measures set out in the resolution. The Council was briefed in consultations on 29 October, on UNISFA and Sudan/South Sudan issues.
September 2018
On 20 September, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom briefed the Council. The briefing was held in the open chamber, departing from the usual practice of receiving these briefings in consultations.In keeping with the Secretary-General’s 20 August letter, Lacroix called for changes to UNISFA’s mission concept within the current ceiling of uniformed personnel. He maintained that the JBVMM “remains a vital part of the framework that regulates the relationship between the two countries.” Haysom said that the resolution of the final status of Abyei “above all else…would allow for the timely exit by UNISFA from Abyei.” He noted that internal problems in both Sudan and South Sudan had hindered negotiations on this issue in recent years.
May 2018
On 15 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2416, which renewed the mandate of UNISFA until 15 November and reduced the authorised troop ceiling of the mission from 4,791 to 4,500 (S/PV.8258).
April 2018
On 13 April, the Council adopted resolution 2411, allowing for a ten-day technical rollover of UNISFA’s support to the JBVMM. On 23 April, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2412 which extends the mission’s support for the JBVMM until 15 October, and maintains the authorised troop ceiling of 4,791 until 15 October, after which the troop ceiling will decrease to 4,250, unless the Council decides to extend the mission’s support to the JBVMM. The resolution also determines that both parties should demonstrate measurable progress on border demarcation and imposes six specific measures in this regard. On 24 April, Council members were briefed in consultations by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom.
November 2017
On 15 November, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2386, extending until 15 May 2018 the mandate of UNISFA. The resolution also extended until 15 April 2018 UNISFA’s support to the Joint Border and Verification Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM) and stated that this would be the final extension of support to the JBVMM unless both parties adhere to the specific measures agreed to in the May and October 2017, by no later than 15 March 2018. These measures include: facilitating the full freedom of movement for UNISFA air and ground patrols; opening of Phase I of the border crossing corridors; holding at least one meeting to resume border demarcation discussions; reactivating the ad hoc committee of the 14 mile area (the temporary administrative line for the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone); and facilitating the operationalization of the four JBVMM team sites. The Council also decided to maintain the authorized troop ceiling of 4,791 until 15 April 2018, after which the authorized troop ceiling shall decrease to 4,235, unless it decides to extend the mission’s support for the JBVMM.
October 2017
On 26 October, Council members were briefed by Assistant Secretary-General for Rule of Law and Security Institutions Alexander Zuev and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Nicholas Haysom (S/PV.8078). In a break with previous practice, the briefing took place in the Council chamber instead of in consultations. Both briefers stressed UNISFA’s stabilising role. Haysom added that this should inform any decision regarding Abyei and the JBVMM. Zuev briefed on the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Abyei (S/2017/870), which recommended UNISFA’s mandate be extended for another six months.
August 2017
On 9 August, Council members were briefed in consultations by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations El Ghassim Wane on the first of two reports requested in resolution 2352 on progress in implementing the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (S/2017/649). He noted that the security situation in the Abyei Area remains unpredictable and that in the absence of progress in the implementation of the Agreement of 20 June 2011, and on the final status of the territory, intercommunal tensions and the proliferation of arms create a continued risk.
May 2017
On 15 May, the Council unanimously adopted resolution 2352, renewing the UNISFA mandate for an additional year. The resolution also reduced the troop ceiling from 5,326 to 4,791 and stipulated that the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism would not be further renewed without a clear demonstration of Sudan and South Sudan’s commitment to implementation.
April 2017
During consultations on 26 April, Council members were briefed by the Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom, on the current state of the Sudan/South Sudan political process. Council members were also briefed by the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, El Ghassim Wane, on the strategic review of UNISFA, and by the chair of the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko (Ukraine).
November 2016
On 3 November, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members on the activities of UNISFA and the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Abyei, the disputed area straddling the Sudan-South Sudan border. On 15 November, the Council adopted resolution 2318 renewing the mission’s mandate for six months. At press time, Nicholas Haysom, the UN Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, was expected to brief members (via video teleconference) on 29 November in consultations on Sudan/South Sudan issues.
August 2016
On 11 August, Council members held consultations on Sudan and South Sudan. Nicholas Haysom, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, briefed. Following the meeting, they issued a press statement welcoming the signing on 8 August of the Roadmap Agreement by opposition groups and commending the government of Sudan for having signed the agreement on 16 March.
May 2016
The Council adopted resolution 2287 on 12 May, renewing the mandate of UNISFA until 15 November (S/PV.7691). Council members were briefed in consultations the same day via video teleconference by Haile Menkerios, Special Representative to the AU, on Sudan/South Sudan issues.
April 2016
On 27 April, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on UNISFA. He reportedly noted that recent dialogue between the Ngok-Dinka and Misseriya communities in Abyei was encouraging.
February 2016
On 18 February, Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed Council members via video teleconference on the implementation of resolution 2046 on Sudan/South Sudan issues. On 25 February, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Stephen O’Brien briefed Council members on the humanitarian situation in Sudan and South Sudan under “any other business.” Following the meeting, press elements were issued in which Council members expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in both countries.
December 2015
On 15 December, the Council adopted resolution 2251 which extended the mandate of UN Interim Security Force for Abyei until 15 May 2016.
November 2015
On 24 November, Council members held consultations on Sudan/South Sudan and UNISFA. Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, briefed (via video teleconference from Addis Ababa) on Sudan/South Sudan, while Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed on UNISFA. Members agreed to press elements in which, among other things, they urged the parties in Sudan to agree to a way forward for an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue and welcomed agreements reached by Sudan and South Sudan on the border and urged them to implement them.
September 2015
On 17 September, Council members were briefed in consultations on Sudan/South Sudan and on UNISFA. Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, briefed on Sudan/South Sudan issues, while Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous reported on the Secretary-General’s UNISFA report.
July 2015
On 8 July, Council members were briefed in consultations on UNISFA activities by the head of the mission, Haile Tilahun Gebremariam, and on Sudan and South Sudan issues by Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Haile Menkerios (via video teleconference from Addis Ababa). The discussion on UNISFA addressed the Secretary-General’s report (S/2015/439) on the situation in Abyei and the recent work of the mission. On 14 July, the Council adopted resolution 2230, renewing the mandate of UNISFA for an additional five months until 15 December (S/PV.7483).
May 2015
On 5 May, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on UNISFA. He said that polling was held in Misseriya ethnic areas in northern Abyei during Sudan’s 13-16 April elections, adding that there had been no violent incidents during the electoral process. Ladsous said that the reconvening on 29-30 March in Addis Ababa of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC), designed to provide administrative and political oversight to the area, had been an encouraging development. (The AJOC had not met since May 2013, when Ngok-Dinka paramount chief Deng Kuol Deng was assassinated by a Misseriya.)
March 2015
On 17 March, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members under “any other business” on the situation in Abyei, focusing on a 2 March incident in which Misseriya assailants attacked a Dinka village. He noted that UNISFA peacekeepers detained several of the assailants, and based on interrogations, learned that one of the attackers was affiliated with Sudanese military intelligence. On 24 March, Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan and Special Representative to the AU, briefed via video teleconference on Sudan/South Sudan relations.
February 2015
On 10 February, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on UNISFA. Ladsous reiterated key recommendations outlined in the Secretary-General’s 30 January UNISFA report. He underscored the recommendation that the mission engage more systematically in disarming individuals and armed groups. He also highlighted that the mission’s mandate could be adjusted to enable UNISFA police to engage in community protection committees—which have been established to fill the vacuum created by the lack of legal and security institutions in Abyei—and are particularly important given the rising criminality in the area. On 26 February, the Council adopted resolution 2205 and renewed the mandate of UNISFA until 15 July 2015.
December 2014
On 8 December 2014, Council members held consultations on Sudan/South Sudan issues as well as on the most recent UNISFA report (S/2014/862). Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed on Sudan/South Sudan via video-teleconference while Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous and Force Commander Major-General Halefom Moges briefed on UNISFA. On 11 December, Council members issued a press statement reiterating grave concern with the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile and at the “relatively calm but highly volatile security situation in Abyei” (SC/11694).
October 2014
On 7 October, Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Edmond Mulet briefed Council members in consultations on the latest UNISFA report (S/2014/709). Mulet said unilateral actions by the parties have not been helpful and referred to the Ngok-Dinka’s decision to establish a committee to lobby for international support for October 2013 referendum, which was not recognised by Sudan, but during which the Ngok-Dinka voted overwhelmingly to join South Sudan. Additionally, he mentioned the instability that could be caused by Sudan’s intention to include Abyei among the areas that will participate in the country’s 2015 national elections. The Council met again on 14 October to adopt resolution 2179 extending UNISFA’s mandate until 28 February 2015. During the meeting, Ambassador Francis Deng of South Sudan and Ambassador Rahamtalla Mohamed Osman Elnor of Sudan addressed the Council (S/PV.7276). Deng called for the report of the AU Investigation Committee on the assassination of the Ngok-Dinka paramount chief in May 2013 to be released. Elnor argued that Abyei remains part of Sudan until a final settlement is reached.
September 2014
The Council held an informal interactive dialogue on 17 September, with Thabo Mbeki the AU High-Level Implementation Panel chair. Mbeki admitted the need for a strategy on Abyei but noted that South Sudan’s preoccupation with its own civil war had distracted it from focusing on the region. Mbeki also alluded to South Sudan’s concerns about the placement of the centre line of the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone, a buffer zone between Sudan and South Sudan. According to the Secretary-General’s 23 July report on Abyei, South Sudan is concerned that the coordinates of the centre line could be used to “demarcate the agreed border corridors in disputed border areas [which] would then amount to de facto border demarcation.”
August 2014
The Council held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan issues and the situation in Abyei on 20 August, with Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Haile Menkerios, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan, briefing. Mulet gave an overview of the Secretary-General’s 23 July report on Abyei (S/2014/518), which stated that “the situation in Abyei during the period under review [14 May to 23 July] was relatively calm, although the underlying conditions remained volatile and unpredictable”. Menkerios reported that progress had not been made in implementing the 27 September 2012 agreements.
July 2014
The Council held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan issues on 16 July, with Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan Haile Menkerios and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos briefing. Menkerios told Council members that alongside Thabo Mbeki, head of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), he would try to urge Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) to re-engage in negotiations. He also indicated that opposition parties in Sudan had requested Mbeki to help mediate the national dialogue process in Sudan and that Mbeki would be meeting with opposition politicians to discuss what role he could play. Amos said that, according to reputable sources, 170,000 people had been displaced in SPLM-N held areas of Sudan in the first half of 2014. She also noted that Sudan and South Sudan faced significant humanitarian challenges, with both countries experiencing refugee outflows and food shortages.
June 2014
The Council held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan issues on 10 June. The Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan and head of the UN Office to the AU Haile Menkerios stated that Sudan and South Sudan had made no progress in addressing the political and security issues that continue to divide them. As in prior consultations, he reiterated that the national dialogue in Sudan was a positive development, while suggesting that the recent arrests of key opposition figures and restrictions on the press are counterproductive. Menkerios also spoke about recent Sudan Armed Forces’ bombardments of civilian areas in South Kordofan.
May 2014
On 19 May, the Council held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan and on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). Menkerios briefed on Sudan-South Sudan relations, while UNISFA Force Commander Major General Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam briefed on UNISFA. Menkerios said that Sudan and South Sudan had not made progress recently in addressing the issues dividing them, while Tesfamariam described the challenges facing UNISFA in Abyei. The most recent Secretary-General’s report on Abyei (S/2014/336), noted that Ethiopian officials have indicated that Ethiopia would have to reconsider its military commitment to UNISFA if Sudan and South Sudan continue their lack of cooperation in administering the area and in establishing law and order and inter-communal mechanisms there. This would present an enormous challenge for the mission as UNISFA is almost exclusively comprised of Ethiopian troops. On 29 May, the Council adopted resolution 2156 renewing the mandate of UNISFA for an additional four months. While the resolution leaves the fundamental mandate of the mission unchanged, it expresses concern over the lack of progress by Sudan and South Sudan in honouring security and political commitments regarding Abyei and the border areas more generally.
April 2014
On 10 April, head of the UN Office to the AU and Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan Haile Menkerios briefed Council members in consultations via videoconference from Addis Ababa. He updated them on recent developments with respect to the national dialogue process in Sudan and reported that Sudan and South Sudan continued to maintain a military presence in the disputed Abyei region.
March 2014
Council members were briefed in consultations by Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan Haile Menkerios on 12 March. Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous also briefed Council members in consultations on UNISFA. On 17 March, the Council issued a press statement concerning developments in Abyei, the AUHIP-mediated talks and the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states (SC/11321).
February 2014
Council members were briefed on Sudan-South Sudan issues in consultations on 11 February by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous. Among other issues, Ladsous discussed the lack of recent progress implementing the 27 September 2012 agreements between Sudan and South Sudan. On 14 February, the Council issued a press statement on Sudan and South Sudan (SC/11282).
January 2014
On 9 January, Council members held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan issues during which they were briefed by Haile Menkerios, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan and head of the UN Office to the AU. Menkerios said that it would be difficult for Sudan and South Sudan to make progress on pending issues between them, including determining the centre line of the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone, while South Sudan is in conflict. Menkerios added that there had been no progress regarding efforts to gain humanitarian access to Blue Nile and South Kordofan. The Council issued a press statement (SC/11244) the following day reiterating their strong support for the mediation efforts led by IGAD and demanding the end to human rights violations.
December 2013
On 5 December, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet briefed Council members in consultations on Sudan-South Sudan issues and on UNISFA, reporting on the heightened tensions between the Misseriya and Ngok-Dinka communities in the aftermath of the Ngok-Dinka decision to hold a unilateral referendum on the status of Abyei in late October.
November 2013
On 11 November, Council members were briefed in consultations by peacekeeping head Hervé Ladsous and OCHA’s Director of Operations, John Ging. Ladsous described tensions between the Ngok-Dinka and Misseriya communities, noting that UNISFA has been trying to establish buffer zones between the two groups. Ging spoke about the lack of progress in efforts to gain humanitarian access to rebel-held areas of South Kordofan and Blue Nile. On 25 November, the Council adopted resolution 2126 renewing UNISFA’s mandate for six months.
October 2013
On 10 October, Council members were briefed in consultations by Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hervé Ladsous and UNISFA Force Commander Yohannes Tesfamariam on Sudan-South Sudan issues and UNISFA. Tesfamariam expressed concern that the Ngok-Dinka community residing in the area continued to make unilateral preparations of a referendum in Abyei. Ladsous noted the urgency of conducting a polio vaccination campaign for children. The Council issued a press statement on 11 October urging Sudan and the SPLM-N to hold a polio vaccination campaign in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. On 24 October, Council members held consultations and agreed to press elements reiterating their grave concern over the volatile security situation in Abyei and calling on all parties to refrain from unilateral action. On 27 October, the Ngok-Dinka community initiated its own referendum in Abyei without endorsement from Sudan or South Sudan.
September 2013
On 5 September, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hervé Ladsous briefed Council members in consultations on Sudan/South Sudan issues. Ladsous said that the 3 September summit between Presidents Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and Salva Kiir of South Sudan was a positive development. He also reported on preparations for an October referendum on the final status of Abyei (to determine whether Abyei belongs to Sudan or South Sudan), in accordance with the 21 September 2012 proposal of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel. On 18 September, Haile Menkerios, briefed Council members in consultations in his capacity as Special Envoy and noted that relations between the two countries had improved in recent weeks but expressed concern at the rising tensions in Abyei.
August 2013
Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet briefed Council members in consultations on 7 August on Sudan-South Sudan issues and UNISFA. Council members held the second of its semi-monthly consultations on Sudan-South Sudan on 22 August with Haile Menkerios who briefed in his capacity as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan. On 23 August, the Council adopted a presidential statement focusing on Sudan-South Sudan relations that expressed concern about the challenges facing implementation of the 27 September 2012 agreements. The Council also issued a press statement the same day condemning the violence in Jonglei state.
July 2013
Council members held their regular twice monthly consultations on Sudan/South Sudan issues. On 11 July Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed and Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed on 24 July.
June 2013
On 5 June, Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed Council members in consultations on Sudan/South Sudan and the Secretary-General’s latest report on UNISFA in Abyei. On 14 June, the Council issued a press statement condemning an attack on the headquarters of the JBVMM in Kadugli that killed one UNISFA peacekeeper and wounded two. Consultations on Sudan/South Sudan were again held on 20 June and Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefed on the training of peacekeepers to provide protection to JBVMM monitors. OCHA head Valerie Amos also briefed on her 20-23 May visit to Sudan.
May 2013
On 6 May, Council members were briefed in consultations by Under-Secretary-General for Peackeeping Hervé Ladsous regarding a 4 May attack on a UNISFA convoy, which resulted in the death of Ngok Dinka Paramount Chief Kuol Deng Kuol, an Ethiopian peacekeeper, and left three others wounded. The Council issued a press statement condemning the attack. On 9 May, Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed Council members in consultations, reporting that the UN, Sudan and South Sudan would jointly conduct an investigation into the killing of Kuol and release a public report, although he did not indicate a timeframe for the investigation. Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Edmond Mulet briefed Council members in consultations on UNISFA and Sudan-South Sudan relations on 23 May. He said that UNISFA would soon be able to conduct ground patrols as part of the JBVMM, assuming that the Council authorises additional troops when it renewed the mission’s mandate. On 29 May, the Council adopted resolution 2104 extending the mandate of UNISFA until 30 November 2013 and authorising a troop ceiling of 5,326 troops.
April 2013
Council members held consultations on Sudan/South Sudan and UNISFA on 11 April. They were briefed by the UNISFA force commander and head of mission, General Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam, and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet. Tesfamariam advocated for an additional 1,126 troops to provide force protection for the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. On 29 April, Council members held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan relations as part of the twice monthly consultations on the issue.
March 2013
Council members were briefed in consultations on 12 March by Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping, and Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan. In light of the 8 and 12 March agreements, Ladsous discussed the technical aspects of establishing the the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. During the meeting, Russia tabled a draft press statement welcoming the signing of the 8 and 12 March agreements. However, the US, which had been leading negotiations on a draft presidential statement on Sudan and South Sudan since mid-February, was unwilling to endorse the statement. The Council held an informal interactive dialogue on 27 March with Thabo Mbeki, the chair of the AUHIP, on Sudan and South Sudan. Abdulsalami Alhaji Abubakar, also a member of the AUHIP, participated.
February 2013
On 7 February, the Council held consultations on Sudan and South Sudan. Haile Menkerios, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Sudan and South Sudan, briefed Council members in consultations on relations between the two countries, while Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, briefed on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei. Council members again held consultations on 21 February, with Menkerios briefing that rhetoric between Sudan and South Sudan had escalated, indicating that there was a need for the parties to demonstrate the political will necessary to make progress in their relations.
January 2013
On 8 January, Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, and John Ging, director of operations for OCHA, briefed Council members in consultations. Menkerios confirmed that there had been no progress in discussions on the final status of Abyei, despite a summit meeting on 4-5 January in Addis Ababa between Presidents Omar Al-Bashir of Sudan and Salva Kiir of South Sudan. Ging gave a detailed description of the humanitarian crisis in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, emphasising the ongoing lack of humanitarian access and urging the Council to take action. The Council held consultations on Sudan-South Sudan relations on 22 January with Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous briefing. A high-level delegation of the SPLM-N—including Secretary-General Yasir Arman, Chairman Malik Agar and Humanitarian Coordinator Neuron Phillip—visited New York City during the week of 20 January. They met with several Council members and the NGO community in order to provide suggestions for addressing the humanitarian and political crisis in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
December 2012
On 6 December, Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet briefed Council members in consultations on the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in the disputed Abyei area and on other Sudan/South Sudan issues. Noting that while Sudan and South Sudan had not implemented the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone, UNISFA was training the monitors provided by the parties. Mulet said he was unable to report any developments related to the 27 September agreements on security, oil wealth-sharing, cross-border trade and other issues. On 18 December, Council members were briefed again in consultations by Mulet and Special Envoy Haile Menkerios who reported that there was a good chance that Presidents Omar al-Bashir of Sudan and Salva Kiir of South Sudan would meet in the near future to discuss outstanding matters.
November 2012
On 16 November, the Council adopted resolution 2075 renewing the mandate of UNISFA until 31 May 2013. The resolution also urged Sudan and South Sudan to activate Joint Verification and Monitoring Mechanism and establish the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone. Council members also held consultations on 14 November on Sudan and South Sudan in accordance with resolution 2046.
October 2012
In October, the Council discussed Sudan/South Sudan issues twice in consultations. On 4 October, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Hervé Ladsous, emphasised the need for the two countries to implement the agreements they had signed on 27 September on oil, border security, trade, nationality rights and other issues. He also noted that the parties have not been able to reach agreement on critical issues, including the status of Abyei and disputed border areas. Regarding South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan, Ladsous said that the security and humanitarian situations continued to deteriorate. On 16 October, Ladsous briefed again and said he was unable to report concrete developments on implementation of the 27 September agreements which had been ratified by South Sudan and Sudan on 16 and 17 October, respectively. In other developments, the AU Peace and Security Council issued a 24 October communiqué requesting the parties to resolve the status of Abyei within six weeks, using the AU High-Level Implementation Panel’s 21 September proposal as a basis for discussion.
September 2012
On 6 September, two days after Sudan and South Sudan had reconvened in Addis Ababa for a new round of negotiations on unresolved issues, Special Envoy Haile Menkerios briefed the Council in consultations. He reported that limited progress was being made in the negotiations. Menkerios again briefed the Council in consultations on 20 September and said that there had been no notable violent incidents on the Sudan-South Sudan border and that there was some further progress in the negotiations. However, there had been significant fighting in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. On 21 September, the Council issued a press statement affirming Sudan and South Sudan had a responsibility to successfully conclude negotiations on remaining issues.
August 2012
On 9 August, the Council held an interactive dialogue on Sudan and South Sudan. Thabo Mbeki, the chair of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan and South Sudan, and UN Special Envoy Haile Menkerios participated. Mbeki told Council members that the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone and Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism could still not be established because Sudan was reluctant to accept the map proposed by the AU as a basis for negotiation. DPKO briefed Council members in consultations on 23 August noting that the parties were now expected to make an effort to resolve outstanding issues by 22 September, in accordance with the AU’s decision to extend the original 3 August deadline. On 31 August the Council adopted a presidential statement expressing regret that the parties have not yet been able to resolve a number of critical issues.
July 2012
On 3 July, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights briefed Council members in consultations highlighting violations occurring in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states in Sudan. On 10 July, DPKO briefed the Council in consultations on Sudan and South Sudan reporting a lack of progress in establishing the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. The Council held consultations on 26 July on Sudan and South Sudan. During the consultations, the Special Envoy reported that while it was not expected the parties would reach agreement by the 2 August deadline set by the Council in resolution 2046 it seemed possible that there might be progress on the establishment of the Safe Demilitarised Border Zone and the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism. Sudan and South Sudan continued peace talks throughout July.
June 2012
Council members issued a press statement on Sudan and South Sudan on 18 June, welcoming the resumption of negotiations between both parties and noting the decrease in violence along their mutual border.
May 2012
The Council adopted resolution 2047 on 17 May, renewing the mandate of UNISFA for an additional six months. The Council adopted resolution 2046 on 2 May, addressing the deteriorating relations between Sudan and South Sudan and supporting the AU PSC’s communiqué of 24 April.
April 2012
On 24 April the AU Peace and Security Council adopted a communiqué on 24 April that included a “roadmap,” which, inter-alia, called for an end to hostilities between the parties, including aerial bombardments, within 48 hours. Council members held an “informal interactive dialogue” on 17 April focusing on the latest developments along the Sudan-South Sudan border. On 12 April, the Council adopted a presidential statement in which it, inter-alia, demanded “a complete, immediate, and unconditional” end to all fighting, including a withdrawal of South Sudan from Heglig and an end to aerial bombings by the SAF. On 11 April the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations had briefed Council members in consultations on the most recent report of the Secretary-General on Abyei and the tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.
March 2012
The Council issued a press statement on 27 March that, inter-alia, expressed alarm at the military clashes along the Sudan-South Sudan border and demanded that the countries cease violence in the border regions. On 6 March, the Council issued a presidential statement that, inter-alia, demanded that Sudan and South Sudan cease violence along their shared border and urged the parties to reach agreement on unresolved issues.
February 2012
On 29 February the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed Council members in consultations to discuss the situation along the Sudan-South Sudan border. Council members held an “informal interactive dialogue” on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan on 27 February. The Council issued a press statement on 14 February in which it expressed “deep and growing alarm” at malnutrition and food insecurity in parts of Blue Nile and South Kordofan. The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs briefed the Council in consultations on 10 February regarding her trip to South Sudan from 1 to 4 February. The Council discussed the last report of the Secretary-General on Abyei in consultations on 9 February. The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Council during the meeting.
January 2012
On 22 January, South Sudan began a shutdown of its oil production as a retaliatory measure after Sudan began diverting approximately 120,000 barrels of South Sudanese oil per day, apparently in response to the lack of progress in negotiations on a transit fee for oil from South Sudan going through Sudan. The Council held consultations on 17 January on the situation in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. The Under-Secretary-General for humanitarian affairs and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees briefed the Council.
December 2011
The Council adopted resolution 2032, renewing UNISFA’s mandate on 22 December. On 14 December, the Council adopted resolution 2024 which added a border-monitoring support role to UNISFA’s mandate.
November 2011
On 11 November the Council resumed the briefing on Sudan and South Sudan in public. The Under-Secretary-General for Peackeeping Operations spoke about his recent visit to Sudan and South Sudan. The Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan briefed the Council in closed consultations on 10 November focusing his remarks on negotiations on the unresolved Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) issues and tensions between the parties in Abyei, Blue Nile, and South Kordofan.The Council issued a press statement on 4 November on the situation in Abyei. In the statement, the Council encouraged UNISFA to increase its patrols and air mobility. It also called on Sudan and South Sudan to withdraw their forces from Abyei immediately and without preconditions and to finalise the establishment of the Abyei Area Administration.
October 2011
On 20 October, the AU Peace and Security Council renewed the mandate of the High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan and South Sudan for another year. On 11 October, the Council held consultations on UNISFA. During the consultations, it appears that Under-Secretary-General for Peackeeping Operations reiterated that both Sudanese and South Sudanese troops had not withdrawn from Abyei. On 8 October, the presidents of Sudan and South Sudan met in Khartoum. During a press conference, the two leaders pledged that Sudan and South Sudan would resolve the issues separating them—for example, oil sharing, border demarcation and the status of Abyei—through negotiations, not war. The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Council on 6 October on the situation in Abyei.
September 2011
On 18 September Sudan and South Sudan held the first meeting of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM), which seeks to promote political and secruity cooperation between the two countries. On 8 September, the Assistant Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations, the deputy director fo the coordination and response division of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, and the head of UNMISS briefed the Council on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan in consultations.
August 2011
On 19 August, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Assistant Secrtary-General for Peacekeeping Operations briefed the Council on the situation in Abyei and South Kordofan.
July 2011
On 30 July, Sudan and South Sudan agreed to establish a border-monitoring support mechanism in Abyei, pursuant to the 29 June agreement establishing the “Safe Demilitarised Border Zone” and the “Joint Political and Security Mechanism.” On 28 July, the Assistant Secretary-Genaral of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in New York briefed Council members in closed consultations on the situation in Southern Kordofan. The Head of UN Peackeeping briefed the Council on 27 July on the situation in Abyei, including the deployment of UNISFA. Council members receive a briefing from the head of OCHA on 15 July on the humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan.The General Assembly admitted South Sudan as as the UN’s 193rd member on 14 July, after the Council recommended to the General Assembly that South Sudan be admitted as a member. On 11 July the Council adopted resolution 1997 deciding that UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) would withdraw by the end of August.
29 June 2011
The government of Sudan and the government of Southern Sudan signed an agreement on border security and a joint political and security mechanism.
28 June 2011
The government of Sudan and the northern chapter of the SPLM signed a framework agreement on political partnership between the National Congress Party (NCP) and SPLMN and political and security arrangements in Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan states.
27 June 2011
The Council established the UN Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA).
23 June 2011
Six UNMIS national staff were arrested in Southern Kordofan.
20 June 2011
The Council received a briefing from Thabo Mbeki and the head of UNMIS, Haile Menkerios on Abyei, post-referendum issues and Southern Kordofan.
20 June 2011
The government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed an agreement on temporary arrangements for the administration and security of the Abyei area.
17 June 2011
Four UNMIS peacekeepers were detained by SAF and subjected to a mock firing squad.
16 June 2011
The Council received a closed briefing on the humanitarian situation in Abyei and Southern Kordofan from OCHA and the head of DPKO.
15 June 2011
Clashes between SAF and SPLA forces in Abyei resulted in five deaths.
15 June 2011
The UN announced fighting in Southern Kordofan resulted in the displacement of over 60,000 civilians.
15 June 2011
Eleven bombs were dropped in the area of Kadugli and Kauda.
14 June 2011
Two bombs landed near the UN compound in Kauda.
12 June 2011
The President of Sudan and the President of the Government of Southern Sudan met in Addis Ababa to discuss Abyei under the mediation of Mbeki.
10 June 2011
Fighting in Southern Kordofan state closed the airport in Kadugli, hampering relief efforts.
9 June 2011
SAF planes bomb the southern town of Jau in Unity state, killing five civilians and causing the displacement of 2,000.
8 June 2011
Khartoum announced it is not seeking a political solution for Southern Kordofan and the SAF was “clearing the state of the remaining rebels”.
8 June 2011
Violence in Southern Kordofan state spred outside Kadugli to Kauda and Talodi, with reports of civilians being targeted.
7 June 2011
Khartoum unilaterally appointed an interim administrator for Abyei.
5 June 2011
Violence was sparked between elements of the southern-aligned SPLA and SAF in Kadugli the capital of Southern Kordofan state.
3 June 2011
The Council adopted a presidential statement on the situation in Abyei.
31 May 2011
The Council met to hear briefings from the heads of DPKO and UNMIS on the situation in Abyei.
27 to 31 May 2011
The All Darfur Stakeholders Conference was held in Doha, Qatar.
27 May 2011
The foreign minister of Sudan wrote to the Secretary-General conveying a decision of the government of Sudan that UNMIS would terminate as of 9 July.
25 May 2011
Misseriya tribesmen fired at UNMIS helicopters in Abyei.
24 May 2011
The prime minister of Ethiopia indicated that Ethiopia would be willing to deploy troops to Abyei as a neutral force to assist in implementation of any future security arrangement reached by the parties.
24 May 2011
Sudanese President Bashir indicated Sudan had no intention of withdrawing from Abyei and ordered SAF to respond to SPLA provocations “anywhere”.
23 May 2011
The AU announced that Thabo Mbeki would undertake mediation to reach a solution to the situation in Abyei.
23 May 2011
Khartoum-aligned armed Misseriya tribesmen burned and looted Abyei.
21 May 2011
Sudan Armed Forces seized Abyei, using tanks, heavy artillery and aircraft; dismissed the Abyei Administrator; and dissolved the region’s administrative council.
19 May 2011
Southern forces attacked a Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) convoy escorted by UNMIS in Abyei, killing at least 22 SAF personnel.
17 May 2011
The Secretary-General recommended to the Council that UNMIS be rolled-over until October 2011, after which time a new mission in South Sudan should be mandated.
10 May 2011
Four UNMIS peacekeepers were shot and injured by unknown armed elements in Abyei.
8 May 2011
The CPA parties agreed on a timetable to implement the Kadugli agreement on security in Abyei, with all “unauthorised” forces to be withdrawn from Abyei by 17 May.
5 May 2011
Elections for Governor are held in Southern Kordofan state.
1 May 2011
Fighting flared between southern police and SAF in Abyei resulting in 14 deaths.
27 April 2011
The Council extended the mandate of UNMIS until 9 July 2011.
24 April 2011
The technical committee appointed to write an interim constitution for South Sudan released its draft, which included Abyei as the territory of South Sudan.
19 to 23 April 2011
Clashes between the SPLA and SSLA in Unity state led to the evacuation of northern and foreign oil workers.
14 April 2011
The Deputy Governor of Southern Kordofan (and SPLM-North candidate for Governor) accused militia loyal to the Governor, Ahmed Haroun, of burning 350 houses, killing 17 people, and violently disrupting political rallies.
13 April 2011
The UN humanitarian coordinator for Sudan announced that more than 800 people had died in violence in southern Sudan since January 2011 and close to 94,000 had been internally displaced.
11 April 2011
Former SPLA General, Peter Gadet Yak, announced the formation of a new rebel group, the South Sudan Liberation Army and issues the “Mayom Declaration” seeking the overthrow of the government of Southern Sudan.
21 March 2011
The Council held a private meeting, at the request of the SPLM, where representatives of the Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan each put forward their perspective on the accusations levelled by the SPLM against the NCP regarding support to armed militia.
18 March 2011
There were reports of heavy fighting in Duk County, Jonglei state between the SPLA and Athor’s forces.
17 March 2011
The Presidency met and agreed to resume talks on implementation of the CPA.
17 March 2011
Fighting between the SPLA and a militia composed of southern elements of the SAF that had returned to Mayom County, Unity state from northern Sudan resulted in over 30 deaths.
13 March 2011
The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement withdrew from talks with the National Congress Party on the remaining implementation of the CPA, claiming to have evidence that northern military intelligence was arming southern militia in an effort to overthrow the Government of Southern Sudan.
12 March 2011
Fighting resumed between the SPLA and Olonyi’s forces around the airport and SPLA barracks in Malakal, Upper Nile state, resulting in at least 49 deaths.
7 March 2011
The SPLA launched an attack on Athor’s forces in Jonglei. Athor accused the SPLA of subsequently burning down six villages considered loyal to Athor, killing 168 civilians.
6 to 13 March 2011
The Independent Expert on the situation of human rights in the Sudan, Mohamed Chande Othman, visited Southern Sudan and Abyei.
6 March 2011
There were clashes in Upper Nile state between the SPLA and an armed militia led by a commander called “Olonyi”—whom Athor claimed was aligned with his rebellion—with estimates of over 60 deaths.
4 March 2011
CPA parties agreed to form a committee to implement the Kadugli Agreements in talks mediated by head of UNMIS, Haile Menkerios.
3 March 2011
The Security Council held consultations on the situation in Abyei.
3 March 2011
The JEM rejoined the Doha peace talks.
27 to 28 February and 2 March 2011
Fighting between the Misseriya nomadic tribe and Southern Sudanese police and members of the Ngok Dinka community in Abyei results in close to 150 deaths.
27 February 2011
At least 92 people are killed in renewed armed confrontation between the SPLA and armed elements loyal to former SPLA General George Athor in Fangak, Jonglei state.
16 February to 31 March
A UN integrated assessment team visited Southern Sudan to consider UN assistance to the future independent state of South Sudan.
9 February 2011
The Council held a meeting where it received briefings from the head of UNMIS, Haile Menkerios, the Chair of the Secretary-General’s panel on the referenda in the Sudan, Benjamin Mkapa and the chair of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel on the Sudan, Thabo Mbeki. Representatives of the Government of Sudan and the Government of Southern Sudan also addressed the Council.
9 to 10 February 2011
Fighting between forces loyal to former SPLA commander George Athor and SPLA in Jonglei State lead to over 200 deaths, including 154 civilians.
7 February 2011
The Southern Sudan Referendum Commission confirmed the official results that 98.83 percent of voters had voted for independence.
3 to 5 February 2011
Fighting within the northern and southern elements of the Joint Integrated Unit in Malakal, Upper Nile State, caused the death of 54 soldiers with 85 wounded.
31 January 2011
The AU Summit held a meeting on Sudan.
17 January 2011
The head of UNMIS mediated a security agreement on Abyei between the interior ministers of the government of Sudan and the government of Southern Sudan.
9 to 15 January 2011
The Southern Sudan referendum was conducted.
16 December 2010
The Council issued a presidential statement and received briefings from head of the Secretary-General’s panel on the referenda, Benjamin Mkapa, and the head of UN peacekeeping, Alain Le Roy, on preparations for the referendum. Representatives from the government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement also addressed the Council.
8 December 2010
Registration closed for the Southern Sudan referendum. Close to 4 million registered to vote in Sudan and eight overseas voting locations (Australia, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, UK and US).
16 November 2010
UK Foreign Secretary, William Hague, presided over a Council debate on Sudan, where the Council heard breifings from the Secretary-General, the head of the AU High-Level Monitoring Panel, Thabo Mbeki, Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Ahmed Karti, and the secretary general of the SPLM, Pagan Amum. The Council issued a presidential statement.
15 November to 8 December 2010
Registration for the southern Sudan referendum was held in Sudan and eight other countries where voting for the referendum is permitted (Australia, UK, US, Canada, Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia).
14 to 22 November 2010
The UN panel to monitor the referenda in southern Sudan, led by Benjamin Mkapa (former President of Tanzania) made its second visit to Sudan.
13 November 2010
The Government of Sudan and the SPLM agreed on a framework for resolving outstanding matters related to the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and post-referendum issues, mediated by Thabo Mbeki.
11 November 2010
Security Council members convened an informal meeting with troop-contributing countries to UNMIS.
11 November 2010
Sudan’s defence minister and the southern minister responsible for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) held a joint press conference in which they said, “War is not an option for us, and we are prepared to build trust between us to achieve a secure and stable situation, regardless of the outcome of the referendum”.
4 November 2010
Three civilians who operate helicopters for the World Food Programme were abducted in the South Darfur state capital of Nyala.
30 October 2010
Sudanese authorities raided the office of the Human Rights and Democracy Network, arresting 13 activists including a journalist working for the Netherlands-based Radio Dabanga.
28 October 2010
The AU Peace and Security Council extended the mandate of the AU High-Level Implementation Panel, led by Thabo Mbeki, for a further 12 months.
25 October 2010
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Alain Le Roy, briefed the Council on referenda preparations. Council members raised with Le Roy in subsequent closed consultations reports of harassment and arrests of some IDPs whom the Council had spoken to during its visit to Darfur.
14 October 2010
Uganda, the UK and the US briefed the Council on the visit to Sudan, saying the visit helped reinforce the message that the referenda must be held on time and maintain pressure on both parties to work through the remaining procedural and political obstacles.
10 to 14 October 2010
The UN panel to monitor the referenda in southern Sudan made its first visit to Sudan.
7 October 2010
An AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) civilian staff member was kidnapped in El Fasher.
4 to 10 October 2010
The Security Council visited Uganda, southern Sudan (Juba), Darfur and Khartoum (terms of reference).
24 September 2010
The Secretary-General convened a high-level meeting on Sudan in order to mobilise international support for the full and timely implementation of the CPA and for the peace processes for Darfur and eastern Sudan. The meeting was attended by more than thirty nations and international organisations and Sudanese First Vice President and South Sudan President Salva Kiir and Second Vice President Ali Osman Taha.
21 September 2010
The Secretary-General announced the formation of a UN panel to monitor the referenda in southern Sudan. Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa would lead the panel. The other panelists were former Portuguese foreign affairs minister (and former High Representative for the Cote d’Ivoire elections) Antonio Monteiro and the former chairman of the Nepalese election commission, Bhojraj Pokharel.
15 September 2010
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Alain Le Roy, briefed Council members in closed consultations on referenda preparations (which he said remained slow).
7 September 2010
The Secretary-General of the southern Sudan referendum commission, Mohamed Osman al-Nujoomi assumed his duties.
1 September 2010
The UN announced it has opened its first field office in Western Equatoria as part of its plan to expand its presence in southern Sudan for the January referendum. Offices are to be opened in the region’s 79 counties.
29 July 2010
Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Alain Le Roy, briefed the Council on developments in Southern Sudan and the work of UNMIS in closed consultations.
23 June 2010
The parties to the CPA, the National Congress Party and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) signed the Mekelle Memorandum of Understanding which agreed that negotiations on post-2011 referendum issues and arrangements shall be facilitated by the AU’s High-level Implementation Panel for Sudan supported by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the IGAD partners’ forum and the UN.
3 June 2010
Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, John Holmes, briefed Council members in closed consultations on his 22-20 May visit to Chad and Sudan.
7 May 2010
The Secretary-General called on the Sudanese government to investigate and apprehend those responsible for the attacks on 7 May.
30 April 2010
The Security Council adopted resolution 1919 renewing the mandate of UNMIS.
14 April 2010
The border between Sudan and Chad is opened.
11-15 April 2010
Sudanese voters voted for the first time in 24 years to elect a national president and to cast votes for a South Sudan presidency.
9 March 2010
A Special regional summit of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) held in Nairobi, Kenya urged the NCP and SPLM to resolve the remaining disputes in the CPA.
February 2010
Election campaigns began in Sudan and National Elections Commission released the total voter registration figures.
22 February 2010
The National Congress Party and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement agreed to increase parliamentary seats for southern Sudan in the national parliament.
2 February 2010
The Secretary-General announced the appointment of Haile Menkerios of South Africa as his Special Representative for the Sudan.
December 2009
Demonstrations in Khartoum and other cities led to the arrest of key SPLM and Umma party leaders.
21 December 2009
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report on LRA attacks in southern Sudan stating that LR attacks may amount to crimes against humanity in the Rome Statute of the ICC.
13 December 2009
The Sudanese cabinet approved the draft bill of the South Sudan Referendum, the Abyei Referendum and the Act of People’s Consultation in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.
7 December 2009
The National Elections Commission completed voter registration for the 2010 national elections.
22 November 2009
Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict Radhika Coomaraswamy visited Sudan and met with authorities in Darfur, South Sudan and Khartoum.
November 2009
Voter registration began for the first multiparty elections in Sudan in 24 years.
25 October 2009
President al-Bashir formed a committee headed by Second Vice Presindent Ali Osman Taha to review the findings of the AUPD while finalising the government’s response, to be shared at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting which began on 29 October.
22 October 2009
A staff member from International Committee for the Red Cross was kidnapped.
20 October 2009
The issue of the disputed border region with Egypt arose as Sudan’s electoral commission announced that the residents of the Red Sea border area of Halayeb will be allowed to register and vote during the election.
19 October 2009
The US announced a revised policy framework, which simultaneously focuses on ending the conflict in Darfur and supporting implementation of the CPA.
19 October 2009
UNAMID reported a military build-up in North Darfur, with increased military activities by the Sudanese government and Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid Faction (SLA/AW) forces in Sortony and Kabkabiya.
6 October 2009
A meeting was held in Moscow focusing on resumption of Doha talks and implementation of the CPA.
20 September 2009
Some eighty people were killed, nearly fifty wounded and around 2,000 homes were burned when Lou Nuer gunmen attacked Dinka Hol village of Duk Padiet in Jonglei state.
9 September 2009
Lubna Hussein, a Sudanese employee of UNMIS, arrested for wearing pants, was released after her fine was paid by the Sudanese Journalists Union.
19 August 2009
In Juba, at a meeting organised by the US government, representatives of Khartoum’s ruling National Congress Party and the southern-based SPLM signed an agreement recommitting both sides to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that ended the 22-year civil war in 2005.
8 August 2009
Clashes between two clans of the Dinka tribe in southern Sudan reportedly left at least thirty dead and 15 abducted.
31 July 2009
South African Foreign Ministry Director-General Ayande Ntsaluba reiterated an earlier announcement that Bashir would be arrested if he travelled to South Africa.
22 July 2009
The Permanent Court of Arbitration on Abyei issued its decision regarding the region’s border; both sides agreed to respect the decision of the Court.
18 July 2
JEM released sixty Sudanese army prisoners.
17 July 2009
Alain Le Roy, the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, briefed the Security Council in closed consultations on the work of UNMIS and the Secretary-General’s 14 July report on the mission.
18 June 2009
The Human Rights Council adopted a resolution establishing the mandate for a new independent expert on the situation of human rights in Sudan to replace the Special Rapporteur.
6 June 2009
Former Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol announced the founding of a new political party to challenge the SPLM: the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement—Democratic Change (SPLM-DC).
20 May 2009
Reports indicated that Chad’s armed forces were preparing to enter Sudan to attack Chadian opposition fighters.
13 May 2009
In response to continuing tribal clashes in southern Sudan, UNMIS announced that it would deploy 120 peacekeepers to assist local communities in restoring dialogue and provide security for aid delivery.
7 May 2009
A UN peacekeeper was killed by attackers attempting to steal his car.
5 May 2009
Chad accused Sudan of sending armed forces and Chadian rebels into its territory.
4 May 2009
At talks in Doha, Chad and Sudan agreed to renew diplomatic ties and cease cross-border attacks.
18 to 23 April 2009
The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague held oral hearings on the disputed boundaries of Abyei.
2 April 2009
The National Elections Commission announced elections would be postponed until February 2010.
Early April 2009
Several SLM factions announced their merger with JEM.
18 March 2009
An eight-member high-level panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki and including Burundi’s Pierre Buyoya and Nigeria’s General Abusalam Abubakar began its work examining the situation in Sudan.
23 February 2009
Two Sudanese staff from a French aid group, Aide Médicale Internationale were shot and killed by bandits 80km north east of Nyala, South Darfur.
17 February 2009
The Sudanese government and rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) signed an agreement of goodwill and confidence building brokered by the Qatari government and the AU/UN joint chief mediator Djibrill Bassolé in Doha. The two parties agreed to refrain from all kinds of harassment of IDPs, guarantee the smooth and unobstructed flow of relief assistance to needy people, and commit to exchange prisoners.
12 February 2009
Council members met an AU and AL delegation, led by AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ramtane Lamamra. Council members were told that while the AU and Arab League do not believe in promoting impunity, further time was needed to allow progress in Sudan and that a deferral of ICC proceedings would facilitate process. The responses of the Council members were divided, but demonstrated that most Council members were unconvinced that a suspension would facilitate progress.
31 January 2009
Sudanese President Bashir accused Chad of supporting JEM in its attacks against Muhajeriya. N’Djamena denied the accusations and accused Khartoum of brokering the creation of a new alliance between the Chadian rebels to topple the government of President Deby.
27 January 2009
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Jean Ping said a high level Panel of Jurists and Eminent Politicians was being established with the aim of ensuring that justice was rendered in Sudan.
18 January 2009
The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) reportedly took full control of Muhajeriya, SLA/M’s former stronghold.
12 December 2008
Violence erupted in Abyei involving members of the military joint integrated units (JIUs) and joint integrated police units (JIPUs), resulting in at least one death and thousands of civilians fleeing.
early December 2008
The Sudanese government deployed six northern battalions to Southern Kordofan after members of the Darfur rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) apparently entered this transitional area. Khartoum said the new northern force had no intention to attack the south’s Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) also deployed in the area. The South Sudanese government claims the deployment is in violation of the CPA.
27 November 2008
Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir appoints the National Electoral Commission.
24 – 30 November 2008
UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes travelled through Sudan to assess the humanitarian and security situation.
16 November 2008
The second meeting of the Tri-partite Committee was held between the Government of Sudan, the African Union Commission and the UN.
15 November 2008
The Dakar Contact Group met in N’Djamena to further discuss deployment of a Chad-Sudan border observation mission. This followed the exchange of ambassadors between Chad and Sudan the previous week and an agreement on concrete steps for full normalisation of relations.
27 October 2008
Five Chinese oil workers seized in Kordofan, were killed.
16 October 2008
The Sudanese Government launched its “People of Sudan” initiative during a three day forum which was boycotted by Darfur rebel movements and some opposition parties. Delegates from Egypt, Eritrea, Qatar, the African Union and the Arab League attended.
15 October 2008
The Pre-Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court requested the Prosecution to submit additional supporting materials in relation to aspects of Prosecution’s request for warrant of arrest of President Bashir by 17 November.
18 September 2008
Suspected LRA elements attacked an SPLA detachment in South Sudan. Reportedly, one SPLA soldier and three LRA rebels were killed.
12 September 2008
The AU sponsored Dakar Agreement contact group met to discuss deployment of a joint monitoring force along the border between Sudan and Chad.
31 August 2008
The Chief Administrator of the interim Abyei Area Administration, Arop Mayak Monytock of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and his deputy Rahama Abdel-Rahman Al-Nour of the National Congress Party (NCP) were sworn in.
18 August 2008
Special Representative Qazi provided an assessment of the status of the CPA implementation and UNMIS’ response to the recent crisis in Abyei.
early August 2008
A joint administration for the contested area of Abyei was established in accordance with the roadmap agreed between the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
18 July 2008
At a meeting under the auspices of the Dakar Agreement Contact Group, Sudan and Chad agreed to restore diplomatic relations, broken since a rebel attack on the outskirts of Khartoum in May.
mid-July 2008
The Secretary-General held talks with the Sudanese government. He clarified that the Secretariat has no influence over the ICC, and urged Khartoum to ensure the security of humanitarian workers and the ability of UNMIS and UNAMID to carry out their mandates.
10 July 2008
Rebel commanders and humanitarian agencies held discussions on improving access and security.
early July 2008
The Sudanese parliament adopted the much-awaited electoral law. Southern officials expressed concern about possible bias in the law favouring the ruling National Congress Party and warned that key legislation on the media, national security and criminal acts needed to be revised to ensure free and fair elections.
1 July 2008
The deadline for full withdrawal from the Abyei area, contested by the north and south, which both sides failed to meet.
30 June 2008
The Secretary-General informed the Council of the appointment of Djibril Yipènè Bassolé of Burkina Faso as the new AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator.
24 June 2008
The Council adopted a statement calling on UNMIS to deploy robustly in the area around Abyei to prevent escalation of the conflict in support of CPA implementation, and requested an assessment of UNMIS’ role vis-à-vis the recent violence and appropriate follow-up steps.
Mid-June 2008
Chadian rebels launched a new offensive and briefly took over a number of towns in eastern Chad, threatening a new attack on N’Djaména. Chad repeated accusations of Sudanese support for rebel groups.
8 June 2008
The parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) signed a roadmap on the return of displaced civilians and implementation of the Abyei Protocol.
early June 2008
A Council mission visited Chad and Sudan, while renewed clashes between government and southern forces in the contested region of Abyei raised new concerns about the future of the north-south Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the potential for a renewed north-south civil war. Dozens were killed and tens of thousands displaced by the violence, which included bombing and the burning of Abyei town to the ground.
13 May 2008
A meeting with troop contributors was convened to discuss the new deployment plan.
11 May 2008
Sudan cut diplomatic ties with Chad.
22 April 2008
After considerable delays and disagreement, the national census started.
12 March 2008
On the margins of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference summit in Dakar, Chad and Sudan signed a new agreement to defuse tensions and stop mutual support for rebels.
early March 2008
The situation along the border with Chad became highly volatile. A French soldier died and another was wounded after their vehicle crossed into Sudan from Chad as part of a reconnaissance mission under the EU Force (EUFOR).
Mid-January 2008
Khartoum appointed Janjaweed leader Musal Hilal as a government adviser. (Hilal has been included in the Council targeted-sanctions list.)
9 January 2008
Southern representatives resumed their participation in the central government after months of suspension, and northern troops finalised redeployment away from the south.
12 December 2007
Ambassador Johan Verbeke of Belgium submitted a letter to the Council President on behalf of EU members of the Security Council, containing the Conclusions of the Council of Europe on Sudan/Chad, which reiterated the urging of European members for Sudan to cooperate with the ICC and drew “attention to the lack of cooperation by the Government of the Sudan concerning the deployment of an effective force” in Darfur.
31 October 2007
The Council renewed UNMIS for six months in resolution 1784 which signaled growing Council attention to the broader linkages between the parallel peace processes in Sudan.
early October 2007
Citing the north’s unwillingness to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) announced its withdrawal from the national government.
25 September 2007
The Council authorised EU and UN deployments in Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).
10 September 2007
The President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir, painted an alarming picture of the relations between north and south and the CPA’s status, saying, “I am worried [that] it is likely that Sudan will reverse again to war if we do not act now with our partner [Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party].”
3-4 September 2007
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited Khartoum and Southern Sudan.
3-5 August 2007
The UN-AU Mediation Team held pre-negotiation talks with the rebel movements in Arusha, in which a common rebel negotiating platform was adopted. Key rebel leaders, including Abdelwahid al-Nur, did not attend.
mid July 2007
The AU-UN mediation team chaired a second Libya-format meeting in Tripoli including Sudan, Chad, Libya, Eritrea, Egypt, the Council permanent members, the EU, the Arab League, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. A communiqué was adopted emphasising that “any hindrance to the political process would be addressed through appropriate measures” by the UN Security Council and the AU.
9 July 2007
The deadline for the redployment of all northern forces away from southern Sudan was not met.
early July 2007
The EU signalled that its available resources were depleted and called on the US and the Arab League to increase their share in assistance for AMIS.
June 2007
The AU Peace and Security Council authorised the hybrid operation after Khartoum indicated that it would accept it without conditions after consultations in Addis Ababa among the UN, the AU and Sudan.
23 – 25 May 2007
Security Council received the AU-UN report on the hybrid operation, after months of difficult AU-UN negotiations on the mandate and structure of the proposed operation. A subsequent Security Council statement called for it to be considered and taken forward immediately.
March 2007
Khartoum replied to the 24 January 2007 heavy-support proposal with complaints that it “reveals the existence of essential differences in the understanding of the nature and objectives” of UN support.
20 February 2007
Libya convened a regional peace initiative. Eritrea (as a facilitator), Chad, Sudan and rebel groups attended. Eritrea and Libya also reportedly met with the rebels separately to encourage a unified negotiating position.
14 February 2007
Khartoum refused visas for a Human Rights Council-mandated high-level mission.
13 February 2007
Sudanese aircraft bombed rebel groups preparing for a conference on a unified negotiating platform.
24 January 2007
Secretary-General sent details of a UN-AU agreement for a “heavy-support” package for Darfur to Khartoum.
25 November 2006
The AU and the UN signed a memorandum of understanding on a “lighter” UN assistance package.
22 November 2006
Security Council renewed the UN Peacebuilding Support Office in the Central African Republic (BONUCA)’s mandate until the end of 2007, as large numbers of refugees from Darfur continued to spill over the border into the Central African Republic.
18 November 2006
At a meeting in Addis-Ababa the Secretary-General, P5 members, AU Commissioner Alpha Oumar Konare, the Arab League, the EU and several African nations agreed in principle to a hybrid operation for Darfur.
October 2006
Khartoum signalled a willingness to accept increased UN logistical and financial support to AMIS.
14 October 2006
The Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement was signed.
31 August 2006
The Council adopted resolution 1706, setting a mandate for UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) in Darfur.
16 August 2006
Non-signatories were expelled from the Ceasefire Commission (CFC).
8 August 2006
Sudan and Chad decided to normalise bilateral relations.
7 August 2006
Former rebel leader Minni Arko Minawi was sworn in as Senior Assistant to the President of Sudan.
20 July 2006
In a meeting with Salva Kiir Mayardit, US President George Bush pushed for Sudan to allow for a UN presence to stop the violence in Darfur and to allow the AU forces to be “blue-helmeted”.
4 – 10 June 2006
A Security Council mission visited Addis Ababa, Chad and Sudan.
3 November 2005
Minni Arko Minnawi was elected President of the Sudanese Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A).
September 2005
The Government of National Unity (GNU) announced the new Council of Ministers, with fifteen porfolios allotted to the National Congress Party (NCP) (including the key energy, interior and defence ministries) and eight to the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
August 2005
Sima Samar appointed Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Sudan.
August 2005
With John Garang’s death, Salva Kiir was sworn in as first-vice president.
30 July 2005
John Garang died in a helicopter crash in the south of Sudan.
9 July 2005
The Government of National Unity was inaugurated and Sudan People Liberation Army (SPLA) leader John Garang was sworn in as vice-president.
24 March 2005
UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) was established to support the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).
16 February 2005
High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour presented the report of the International Commission of Inquiry to the Security Council.
9 January 2005
The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) to end the North/South conflict.
1 September 2004
Parties to the conflict called for the deployment of AU peacekeepers.
11 June 2004
Resolution 1547 welcomed the Secretary-General’s proposal to establish a special political mission in Sudan.
8 April 2004
The Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement was signed by the Government of Sudan, Sudanese Liberation Army (SLA) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), in N’Djamena, Chad. Also known as the N’Djamena Agreement.
September 2003
Naivasha Agreement on Security Arrangements (ceasefire between north and south) was signed.
July 2002
The Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) signed the Machakos Protocol.
