The United Nations Security Council on Friday voted to end the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) and begin a three-month process of winding down its operations.

In a 14-0 vote, with one abstention (Russia), the Council adopted resolution 2715 (2023), which calls for UNITAMS to begin ceasing operations on December 4, 2023, and to transfer its tasks to UN agencies, funds, and programs.

This step marked the initiation of a three-month process aimed at gradually winding down the mission’s operations, culminating in its complete withdrawal by February 29, 2024.

The resolution also establishes a liquidation phase for UNITAMS, starting on March 1, 2024, and authorizes the mission to retain necessary security personnel to protect its personnel, facilities, and assets during the transition and liquidation phases.

On June 8, the military-led government in Sudan expelled the UNITAMS head accusing him of aligning with certain political forces. On November 16, the minister if foreign affairs informed the UN of his government to terminate the mission pointing to its failure to achieve its and their repeated calls for a review of its mandate.

The Council welcomed the appointment of Ramtane Lamamra as the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy on Sudan and called on all parties to cooperate with his office.

The resolution further requested the Secretary-General to provide a written report within 90 days and to brief the Security Council every 120 days on UN efforts to support Sudan’s path towards peace and stability.

James Kariuki of the United Kingdom, the penholder of the resolution, acknowledged that his delegation would have preferred to keep UNITAMS in place, but he said the resolution ensures an orderly transition as the mission winds down its activities.