Sudan does not want immediate UNAMID departure: UN official

December 4, 2014 (NEW YORK) – The head of the UN peacekeeping department told the UN Security Council (UNSC) that Sudan is not seeking the immediate departure of the hybrid peacekeeping mission, but is asking for an exit strategy from Darfur.

Last week Sudanese president declared that African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has become a security burden adding he had instructed the foreign ministry to work with the UN on an exit plan from the western Sudan region.

Speaking to the UNSC on Thursday, UN peacekeeping chief Hervé Ladsous mentioned the recent tensions between UNAMID and Sudanese government, citing the closure of the Khartoum-based UNAMID human rights office.

He further disclosed that the Sudanese government informed them last week not to work with any Sudanese administration unless the matter was first referred to the foreign ministry – a measure that would slow the daily activities of the hybrid mission.

However, he stressed during a meeting with a UN strategic evaluation team held during “the last two days” in Khartoum the Sudanese authorities to work on an exit strategy in line with a previous resolution of the Security Council.

“The government has clearly established that it is not a matter of asking UNAMID to leave tomorrow but we must reach an agreement on an exit strategy,” Ladsous said, underlining that relations between the two parties remain cordial.

Following allegations of the mass rape of some 200 women in North Darfur state, Sudanese authorities prevented a UNAMID investigation team from probing the claims, eventually allowing them to visit the area one week later.

After the visit the UNAMID said they found no evidence confirming the mass rape. However, the Sudanese officials were angered by the remarks of UN officials who stressed the need for further investigation, mentioning the heavy presence of military and police during the first investigation.

Since Sudan refused to authorise a second investigation and called publicly for an exit strategy for the joint mission from Darfur.

In his speech before the UNSC, the Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations said that the tribal violence is the main source of insecurity in the region and mentioned the efforts of his government to end inter-communal conflicts.

He further said closure of UNAMID human rights in Khartoum does not affect the activities of human rights offices in Darfur region.

Ladsous said that Khartoum office was a coordination office with the Sudanese government, without further details.

(ST)