UN votes unanimously to move ahead toward ending joint UN-African Union peacekeeping force in Sudan’s Darfur region and replacing it with civilian mission
United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur peacekeepers patrol Labado village in South Darfur on December 10, 2013.
One resolution, adopted by a vote of 15-0 extends the current 6,500-strong mission for six months until December 31, 2020. It says the council will decide by then on “the responsible draw-down and exit of UNAMID”, taking into account a special report from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the chair of the African Union Commission.
It says UNITAMS should also assist the government in “peace-building, civilian protection and rule of law, in particular in Darfur”, provide technical assistance in drafting a constitution, and support peace negotiations and implementation of any peace agreements if asked. In July 2018, the security council voted to dramatically cut the UNAMID force in response to reduced fighting and improved security conditions. The target then was to end the mission on June 30, 2020.
It faces towering challenges, including the dire economic conditions that fueled the protests. Sudan’s economy has been battered by civil wars and international sanctions. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has said achieving peace with armed groups is also crucial for the government as it would allow a reduction in military spending, which takes up to 80 percent of the budget.
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