In a move that has escalated diplomatic tensions, Sudan called for the immediate termination of the United Nations’ political mission in the country, known as the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).
The demand was delivered in an official letter by Sudan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Ali al-Sadiq, addressed to the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and distributed to the United Nations Security Council.
Sudan’s official statement emphasized its commitment to constructive engagement with the Security Council and the Secretariat, while expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the mission.
UNITAMS was established to assist Sudan’s transitional government following the December 2018 revolution, but Sudan claimed that the mission’s actions fell short of expectations.
Responding to Sudan’s decision, Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Antonio Guterres, confirmed the receipt of the letter and its distribution to the Security Council.
The expulsion of the UN mission comes after months of heightened tensions between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), culminating in widespread clashes on April 15.
These confrontations were the result of disagreements over the integration of forces as part of a broader transition from military rule to civilian democracy.
In September, the UN Special Envoy to Sudan announced his intention to step down from his role, following Sudan’s declaration that he was no longer welcome in the country.
The expulsion of the UN mission represents a significant diplomatic development in Sudan’s ongoing political transition, raising concerns about the country’s stability and the future of international involvement in its transition to democracy.
