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Security Council extends mandate of Sudan mission

23 September 2005 – Encouraging countries to deploy their peacekeeping troops in a timely manner to the strengthen peace agreements in the Sudan, the Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in that country (UNMIS) for six months, until March 2006.

In his latest report to the Council on Sudan, Secretary-General Kofi Annan recommended that the Security Council renew the mission's mandate for another 12 months, until September 2006.

In today’s resolution extending UNMIS, the Council expressed its intention to renew the mandate for further periods when it expires again in March.

UNMIS has been engaged in active consultations on a status-of-forces agreement for the south, where the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) is in effect between the Government and the southern Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) after two decades of war.

Despite earlier optimism and pledges of cooperation, consultations with a joint committee of the two parties have not yet led to an agreement on the key issue of full and unrestricted freedom of movement for UNMIS, which is imperative for the fulfilment of its mandate, according to Mr. Annan’s report.

As of 5 September, 2,309 military personnel were deployed in the mission area, including 153 military staff officers, 145 military observers and 2,011 troops. Some 10,000 military personnel, including about 750 observers, were authorized by the Council.

Factors that have delayed deployment include the rainy season and the inability of some contractors to meet their deadlines for the delivery of goods and services, including construction materials and the preparation of tented camps, according to the report.