UN Security Council extends UNITAMS mandate for six months

June 2, 2023 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution to extend the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) mandate for six additional months.

The resolution reaffirms the Security Council’s commitment to Sudan’s sovereignty, unity, independence, and territorial integrity.

Taking note of the Secretary-General’s report on the situation in Sudan and the activities of UNITAMS, the Security Council has decided to extend the mission’s mandate until December 3, 2023.

The Council also acknowledged the report of the UN Secretary-General on the situation in Sudan and the activities of UNITAMS.

On May 31, the members of the Security Council convened to discuss the situation in Sudan following a request by Secretary-General António Guterres for closed consultations.

During the meeting, Guterres reiterated his support for Volker Perthes, the Special Representative and head of UNITAMS, and commended his ongoing efforts to address the crisis.

It is unclear if Perthes’s office would be based in Sudan or another country in the region.

The head of the Sovereign Council in Sudan requested the Security Council replace Perthes earlier this month, accusing him of aligning with some political forces.

Guterres expressed his support for a six-month extension of UNITAMS’ mandate, recognizing the need for the Council to re-evaluate the mission’s future.

In a subsequent press briefing, Guterres emphasized that the decision to continue or conclude the mission in Sudan rests with the Security Council as part of its responsibility.

The resolution requested the Secretary-General to submit regular reports every 90 days on implementing UNITAMS’ mandate as outlined in Resolution 2579 (2021).

(ST)