Timeline

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 On 16 June 2011, the Security Council met in private consultations in order to hear a briefing about the humanitarian situation in Sudan and South Sudan and on the work of UNMIS. After the meeting, Gerard Araud, Permanent Representative of France, made remarks to the press.

 On 20 June 2011, Thabo Mbeki, mediator of the African Union and SRSG Haile Menkerios presented to the Security Council an agreement to demilitarize the region of Abyei which was signed on that day between the government of Khartoum and southern Sudan. Gerard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, welcomed this step forward to end the crisis.

 On 27 June 2011, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1990 which authorizes the deployment, for a period of six months, of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), with a maximum of 4,200 peacekeepers (see below). In his statement, the permanent representative of France welcomed the adoption of resolution 1990 which gave UNISFA a robust mandate, directed the parties to facilitate the rapid return of displaced persons, and requested that effective human rights monitoring be carried out.

 On 8 July 2011, the Security Council adopted resolution 1996 establishing the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). It gives UNMISS the mandate to consolidate peace and security in the country, in particular by fostering longer-term state-building and economic development. It also gives UNMISS a robust mandate for protecting civilians under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. The new mission will consist of up to 7,000 military personnel and up to 900 civilian police personnel. UNMISS replaces UNMIS in the areas where UNMIS operated on what is now the new State of South Sudan.

 On 11 July 2011, the Security Council adopted resolution 1997 deciding to withdraw the United Nations Mission in Sudan. In his explanation of vote, the Permanent Representative of France said in particular: "France supported the adoption of resolution 1997 the Security Council on the withdrawal of the United Nations Mission in Sudan. We regret that this took place while a cease-fire has not yet been signed in Southern Kordofan: civilians continue to suffer from combat, and humanitarian access has not been restored. The Blue Nile is also a cause for concern. So we call on the Sudanese government to consider the presence of the international community in these two states."

 On 13 July 2011, the Security Council adopted resolution 1999 in which it "recommends to the General Assembly that the Republic of South Sudan be admitted to membership in the United Nations".

France was represented at the meeting by Mr David Douillet, Secretary of State in charge of the French abroad. In his statement, he said in particular: "The independence of South Sudan is a major milestone in the history of Africa. It marks the conclusion to fifty years of war, which severely bruised all the populations of Sudan and caused millions of deaths. We harbour great hopes for peace, and this shows that negotiation and dialogue are more effective than weapons and military confrontation. "

 On 14 July 2011, the General Assembly admitted, by acclamation, the Republic of South Sudan as the 193rd member of the United Nations. France cosponsored this resolution.

 On 29 July 2011, the Secretary General appointed Haile Menkerios as his Special Envoy for Sudan and South Sudan.

 On 29 July 2011, the Security Council adopted unanimously resolution 2003 renewing the mandate of UNAMID (Hybrid UN-AU Mission in Darfur) until 31 July 2012.

 On 6 October 2011, the Security Council met to hear a briefing on the report of the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei. The Secretary General’s report was presented by Hervé Ladsous, newly appointed Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. Mr. Ladsous depicted a security and humanitarian situation that had not improved since June 2011. The Sudanese and South-Sudanese troops still occupied the region, violating Sudan’s and South Sudan’s commitments as well as resolution 1990 which stipulates that the region of the Abyei should be demilitarized. UNISFA’s deployment and movements also faced obstacles. The Under-Secretary-General eventually presented the Secretary-General’s recommendations to reconfigure UNISFA’s mandate to carry out the monitoring of border between Sudan and South-Sudan. Following the briefing, the Security Council met in closed consultations on the matter.

 On 11 October 2011, the Security Council met in private consultations in order to hear the report of Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. The report gave details about the absence of demilitarization of the Abyei region by the Sudanese and South-Sudanese troops.

 On 25 October 2011, the Security Council met to hear the report on UNAMID of Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. Hervé Ladsous noted that progress had been made in the implementation of the Doha adocument for Peace in Darfur, which benefited from a broad support among displaced populations in Darfur, but had not yet won over the two main rebel Darfuri groups. The security and humanitarian situation remained a matter of concern. UNAMID had suffered deadly attacks against its personnel.

In private consultations, France underscored its concerns over the situation in Darfur, in particular after these attacks. In this context, UNAMID had to remain firm and the peace process had to be supported: rebel groups had to join it.

 On 11 November 2011, the Security Council heard the report of Mr Hervé Ladsous, Head of the Department of Peace-Keeping Operations, after his field trip to Abyei to assess the situation in Kordofan and Blue Nile region. Making his own the comments made during consultations of the Security Council on 10 November by Mr Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan, Mr Ladsous stressed the serious deterioration of the conditions on the ground. The Council heard as well the statements made by the representatives of Sudan and South-Sudan on the matter.

 On 15 November 2011, the Security Council heard the fourth quarterly report by Miss Hilde Johnson, Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) Progress had been made in overpowering internal threats by reintegrating several rebel groups, as well as in setting up institutions. Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, briefed the Council on the bombings which occurred on 3 November at the frontier between Sudan and South Sudan. He called upon both governments, who blame each other for interfering with their internal affairs by supporting rebel groups, to de-escalate the situation and rapidly hold talks to ease the tensions.The establishment of a common border surveillance system was more necessary than ever.

Following the briefing, the Security Council met in closed consultations on the matter.

 On 15 November 2011, the Security Council heard the fourth quarterly report by Miss Hilde Johnson, Special Representative and Head of the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). Progress had been made in overpowering internal threats by reintegrating several rebel groups, as well as in setting up institutions.

Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, briefed the Council on the bombings which occurred on 3 November at the frontier between Sudan and South Sudan. He called upon both governments, who blame each other for interfering with their internal affairs by supporting rebel groups, to de-escalate the situation and rapidly hold talks to ease the tensions. The establishment of a common border surveillance system was more necessary than ever.

Following the briefing, the Security Council met in closed consultations on the matter.

 On 8 December 2011, the Security Council met to hear a report by Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in Abyei.

Mr. Ladsous depicted a fragile security situation, as the Sudanese and South-Sudanese troops still occupied the region. No progress had been made in the establishment of an administration area of the region and in the creation of a map establishing the non-militarized border areas.

UNIFSA pursued its efforts to carry out its mandate, with 2853 troops on the ground to ensure the region’s overall security. The number of troops was to be increased with the deployment of a third battalion on 11 December 2011.

During the closed consultations that followed, the French representative expressed his concern over the events at the border between Sudan and South Sudan. There could be no military solution to the tensions between the two countries. The rapid deployment of UNISFA’s forces on the ground preventing further violence, an extension of UNISFA’s mandate was necessary.

 On 14 December 2011, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2024 authorizing the MINUSS to monitor the border between Sudan and Southern Sudan.

 On 15 December, 2011, the Security Council met in the presence of the Permanent Representative of Sudan to hear a report from Luis Moreno-Ocampo, prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, on the activities of the ICC pursuant to resolution 1593.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo recalled the obligation for the Sudanese government to cooperate to ensure that crimes committed in Darfur would come to an end. The three arrest warrants which had been enacted against President Bashir, Ahmed Harun, governor of South Kordofan and Ali Kushayb, had not been executed. Cooperation from the government was essential. He expressed his wish that his next report to the Security Council be an example of how to fight against crimes in the region.

During his statement, the Permanent Representative of Sudan rejected the ICC’s accusations, recalling that Sudan had not ratified the Rome Statute. He also refuted the use of the term “genocide” regarding the crimes committed in Darfur.

During the closed consultations that followed, the French representative expressed his concern over the lack of action from the Council regarding the non-cooperation of Sudan as the forced displacement of civilians as well as the acts of violence committed against them persisted.

 On 22 December 2011, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2032 which renews the mandate of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) for five months.

 On 5 January 2012, the Security Council met to hear a briefing by Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping operations, on interethnic violence between Lou Nuer and Murle tribes in the State of Jonglei in Southern Sudan. France noted that while the United Nations, despite logistical difficulties, had to maintain a robust and deterrent presence on the field, maintaining public order was primarily a duty of the Government of Southern Sudan, which had to take action to put an end to violences which were likely to keep recurring.

 On 10 January 2012, the Security Council met to hear the quarterly report of the Secretary-General on UNAMID. The United Nations Secretary General recalled that the Doha Document for Peace was a basis for reaching peace in the country, but that the Darfur Regional Authority which was responsible for implementing it had not yet been formally established. Moreover, the conditions needed so that a political dialogue could take place were not met, given the increase in arbitrary arrests and violations of human rights.

During the closed consultations that followed, the French representative expressed his support to UNAMID in promoting the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur, recalling that the effectiveness of such a process relied on the agreement of rebel groups to the Document. He expressed concerns over the security situation in Darfur, as the confrontations between the Sudanese forces and the rebel groups persisted, and as UNAMID was hindered in the achievement of its mission.

 On 17 January 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear a report by Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, in the presence of Mr. Antonio Guterres, High Commissioner for Refugees, on the situation in Sudan. Mrs. Amos noted that the lack of access to the country hindered any assessment of the crisis’ extent and the humanitarian assistance deliveries to the civilian populations, as hundreds of thousands had recently fled the conflict zones in South Kordofan and in the Blue Nile. She called for a strong statement from the Council supporting the access of the humanitarian help.

During his statement, the French representative supported the request made by Mrs Amos. The political efforts had to be pursued, as there was no military solution possible.

 On 9 and 10 February 2012, the Security Council heard the reports of Mr. Edmond Mulet, Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in Abyei and of Mrs. Valerie Amos, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, after her visit in the region to assess the humanitarian needs. The security situation remained fragile, as the Sudanese and South Sudanese forces still occupied the region. Disagreements between the two countries persisted regarding the issue of border demarcation as well as the establishment of a civilian administration. The creation of a police force of its own in the Abyei region depended on the agreement of both parties on the matter. Despite its almost completed deployment, FISNUA was still hindered in its mobility and faced logistical constraints, preventing the full realization of its mandate.

During his statement, the French representative commended the early deployment of FISNUA, though deploring the obstacles it met. The demilitarization of the Abyei region was crucial to the creation of a civilian administration of the region.

 On 30 January 2012, the Security Council heard in private consultations the results of Assistant Secretary General for Operations Peacekeeping Edmond Mulet’s evaluation on the reduction of UNMISS troops.

 On 17 February 2012, the Security Coucil unanimously adopted resolution 2035 renewing for one year the mandate of the expert panel of the 1591 sanction committee.

 On 29 February 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to receive a report by Mr Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan. Mr Ladsous reported several recent incidents at the border between the two countries where UNMISS could not access for security reasons. The relations between the parties remained complex and little progress had been made after the negotiations in Addis Abeba. He reiterated his call for both countries to implement a joint monitoring mechanism of the border.

In his statement, the French representative called for the cessation of violence and proposed the adoption of a presidential statement that would send a strong message to both parties. He called for a strengthened international presence in the areas of tensions.

 On 6 March 2012, the Security Council met to hear a statement by the President of the Council on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, followed by statements from the representatives of both countries.

 On 15 March 2012, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hilde Johnson and Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Herve Ladsous presented in closed consultations of the Security Council the situation in South Sudan. H. Ladsous mentionned some progress with the agreement signed in Addis Ababa by the authorities of both countries on border demarcation and status of populations.
The representative of France stressed the importance of the efforts required from the Government of Southern Sudan to protect its people and sign as soon as possible the peace consolidation plan developed with the support of UNMISS.

 On 21 March 2012, the Security Council heard a presentation of the report on the work of the Committee of sanctions against Sudan by the Permanent Representative of Colombia. The representative of France stressed that priority should be given to the effectiveness of existing sanctions.

 On 11 April 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear Mr. Edmond Mulet, Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping operations, on the situation in Abyei and at the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

The Sudanese army and the South Sudanese Police forces continued to occupy the Abyei region, and the process of implementing the agreement of June 20 was at a standstill. UNISFA continued its patrols to reduce the security risk over the entire area of operations, particularly in the areas of migration. Yet, M. Mulet noted serious border clashes between the two countries, the SPLA having seized the town of Heglig, greatly exacerbating political tensions in the light of the oil infrastructure therein.

The representative of France insisted a clear message be sent to both parties, calling for a cessation of violence and the implementation of the agreements signed between the two countries.

 On 12 April 2012, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement following the reports of the Secretary General on Sudan. The Council expressed its deep and growing concerns over the intensifying conflict between Sudan and South Sudan. Demanding that hostilities be fully and immediately ceased without any prior conditions, the Council requested from both the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to urgently and peacefully settle the fundamental issues of security and border management.

 On 17 April 2012, the Security Council met to hear Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the High-level Panel of the African Union on Sudan and Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and Southern Sudan, on the situation in both countries.

The occupation by the SPLA of the Heglig area, regarded as a humiliation by Sudan was an act of aggression and a violation of international law. South Sudan had made conditional the withdrawal of its forces on the deployment of an additional battalion of UNISFA in the area None of the parties considered talks anymore, and new areas at the border were disputed, in contradiction to the previously signed agreements. Growing tensions between the two countries represented a threat to peace and international stability, and any escalation of violence leading to a situation of war had to be avoided at all costs.

The Representative of France stressed that any reaction of the Security Council should call on South Sudan to withdraw its forces from Heglig.

 On 24 April 2012, the Security Council heard in closed consultations a report by Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations in the presence of Mr. Haile Menkerios, as well as Ms. Hilde Johnson by videoconference.

Bombings by Sudan had followed the withdrawal of the South Sudanese forces from Heglig and the humanitarian situation had significantly deteriorated due to the border conflicts. However, UNMISS did not have the capacity to contain these incidents and only a joint border monitoring mechanism could fulfill this role. He called on both parties to honor their commitments and resume negotiations.

The French Representative suggested that the Security Council should support the Ministerial Communiqué of the African Union Peace Council, so that it would serve as a basis to end the conflict. He called for a redeployment of UNMISS at the border to have a better understanding the situation.

 On 26 April 2012, the Security Council heard Mr. Hervé Ladsous, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in Darfur.

Due to a relative improvement of the security situation, particularly at the borders with Chad and Libya, a reconfiguration and a redeployment of UNAMID in risky areas had to be considered. However, concerns remained over the humanitarian situation, as UNAMID and humanitarian agencies were still hindered in their movements, despite the commitments from the Sudanese government. Mr. Ladsous condemned the deadly attacks committed against UNAMID on 20 April.

In closed consultations, the French Representative stood in favor of the proposed revision of the UNAMID numbers of troops.

 On 2 May 2012, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2046, providing its support to the crisis plan of action adopted at the ministerial level by the African Union Peace and Security Council.

In his explanation of vote, the Representative of France stressed that this action plan was now bestowed with the authority of a resolution under Chapter VII, as called for by the African Union. The Security Council expected of Sudan and Southern Sudan to cease hostilities immediately, to set up a demilitarized zone along their common border, and to withdraw their troops from the disputed region of Abyei. Sudan and Southern Sudan should also return to the negotiating table.

 On 16 May 2012, the Security Council heard in closed consultations Special Representative of the Secretary General, Haile Menkerios, who reported on the first steps taken by both parties in implementing resolution 2046.

The Representative of France highlighted the importance for the Security Council to ensure that both parties respect the requirements set by resolution 2046, or else the credibility of this latter would be compromised. The deadline imposed by the resolution having expired this day without all parties having initiated the withdrawal of their troops nor reopen bilateral talks, additional measures should be undertaken if these latter further failed at complying with their obligations.

 On 17 May 2012, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2047 renewing for six months the mandate of the UN interim security force for Abyei, UNISFA.

 On 29 May 2012, the Security Coucil met in closed consultations with Mr Hervé Ladsous, under-Secretary General of the United Nations for peacekeeping operations and Mr Haile Menkerios, special envoy to the Security General in Sudan and South Sudan, to examine the evolutions of the situation between these countries, as well as the challenges in the complete implementation of resolution 2046.

The Representative of France welcomed the pressure exercised by the Security Council and the African Union on both parties, which would have notably contributed in the resumption of talks and the withdrawal of belligerent forces from the Abyei area. Despite some notable improvements, the implementation of the resolution remained partial. A new resolution was not excluded if the parties did not show greater compliance on all elements set by resolution 2046.

 On 5 June 2012, the Security Council met in public session, at the request of France, to discuss the implementation of the resolution 1593, which referred the atrocities committed in Darfur to the International Criminal Court.

The Prosecutor of the ICC, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, noted that the government of Sudan had failed to comply with the resolution, as new crimes had been committed and arrest warrants against President Bashir and three prominent government personalities had not been implemented. He underlined that the impunity of Sudanese officials was a challenge to the authority of the Security Council and suggested that its members and regional organizations implement the arrest warrants.

The representative of France supported Mr Ocampo’s proposal to consider new judicial and operational initiatives and called upon Security Council members, in particular the state parties to the Rome statute, to comply with their commitments.

 On 14 June 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear Mr Mulet, Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, and Mr Menkerios, Special Envoy of the Secretary General for Sudan and South Sudan, on the situation in these countries.

The Representative of France noticed that the security situation at the inter-Sudanese border had improved, but remain fragile, and that the talks between Sudan and South Sudan had resumed in Addis Abeba, but he regretted that the deadlines as set in resolution 2046 had not been respected yet. He called upon Sudan to agree to the UN/UA/Arab League tripartite plan to deliver aid in the regions of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, and he encouraged the immediate implementation of the mechanism of observation at the inter-Sudanese border, on which both parties agreed. Eventually, he recalled that failure to comply with resolution 2046 could lead to sanctions by the Security Council.

 On 18 June 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the report of General Tesfay, FISNUA commander.

The representative of France noted the Council’s unity to recognize the improvement of the situation in Abyei. Nevertheless, he noticed a lack of willingness on the part of both parties, notably in terms of the withdrawal of the Sudanese oil police from the region of Diffra and of the establishement of the Abyei civil administration. In light of the persisting instability at the border and in order to promote the rapid implementation of the verification mechanism, France reiterated its support to the African Union mediation efforts.

 On 21 June 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the quarterly briefing of the President of the Committee of sanctions against Sudan in pursuant to resolution 1591.

The Representative of France welcomed the quick resumption of the experts’ work but deplored that Sudan still denied them access to Darfur as it did not grant the experts with the necessary visas. If this situation were to continue, the Security Council should mention this issue in its next resolution on Darfur. The Representative of France reiterated his wish that the delegations which oppose to the publication of the last report of the Expert Group remove their objections, so that this report can be made public like any other report of the Experts Groups of the United Nations.

 On 28 June 2012, the Security Council examined in closed consultations the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

On this occasion, the Representative of France underlined that the acceptance of the UN/AU/Arab League tripartite plan of emergency humanitarian access in South Kordofan, announced by the Sudanese government, went with a too large number of restrictive conditions to be really operational.

He also noted that if the expected progress were not to be made by 2 August (deadline set up by resolution 2046), the Security Council would have to recall to the parties that it may resort to international sanctions, in accordance with resolution 2046.

 On 3 July 2012, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay and Special Representative Hilde Johnson briefed the Security Council in closed consultations on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

The Representative of France welcomed the access to Sudan of the new independent expert on human rights. However, the security and humanitarian situation, notably in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur, remained of great concern.

The Representative of France also deplored the decision of the government of South Sudan to interrupt the oil production, which deteriorated the economic situation and limited the action of the UNMISS. Being unable to implement its development mission, the mission of the United Nations in Sudan should focus on the protection of civilians.

 On 5 July 2012, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2057 which extended the mandate of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for one year.

 On 10 July 2012, the Security Council examined the situation in Sudan and South Sudan in closed consultations, in accordance with resolution 2046, adopted last May.

The border zone had been relatively calm and the armed and police forces of the two states had withdrawn from Abyei. However, despite bilateral talks in Addis Abeba on 5 July, the negotiations had not produced any tangible progress, three weeks before the deadline set up by resolution 2046.

The Representative of France called upon the Security Council to send a firm message to both parties so that they reach an agreement on the border delimitation and pursue talks on the issue of oil. The government of Sudan also had to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance to civil populations in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.

 On 24 July 2012, the Security Council held consultations on the situation in Darfour. Mr. Ibrahim Gambari, the Joint Special Representative and Joint Chief Mediator ad interim, reported about the African Union - United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The cooperation between the Government of Sudan and the Liberation and Justice Movement was improving, even if the transfer of funds by the Government to the Darfour Reconstruction and Development Fund was deferred. He expressed his concerns about the increase of arbitrary arrests and detentions cases recorded by UNAMID.

The French Representative stressed the necessity to promote the resumption of talks between the Government and non-signatory movements of the Doha peace agreement. He supported the proposed restructuration of the UNAMID.

 On 26 July 2012, the Security Council held consultations on the situation in South Sudan and Sudan after a briefing by Haile Menkerios, the Special Envoy for the region. He reported progress in the implementation of resolution 2046, even though an agreement had still to be found between Sudan and South-Sudan, before August 2nd.

 On 31 July 2012, the Security Council adopted resolution 2063, with 14 in favor and 1 abstention, extending for one year the mandate of the UNAMID.

 On 9 August 2012, the Security Council held an interactive dialogue to hear the briefing by Mr. Thabo Mbeki, President of the High-level Panel of the African Union on Sudan and Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy for Sudan and Southern Sudan, on the conflict between both countries and the situation in Abyei. They welcomed the improvement of the security situation and the recently signed agreement on oil.

Members of the Security Council urged Sudan to implement as soon as possible the agreement enabling the urgent delivery of humanitarian assistance to civilian populations in South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions and to implement all aspects of resolution 2046.

 On 23 August 2012, the Security Council met in private consultations on the situation in Soudan and South Soudan to hear the fortnightly briefing by the Assistant Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Edmond Mullet. He regretted the lack of progress in the negotiation of a ceasefire but welcomed recent developments on the implementation of the agreement on humanitarian aid.

  On 31 August 2012, the Security Council welcomed, in a presidential statement of the Security Council, the sharp decline in violence and tensions between the two countries. The Security Council also urged the parties to accept the map of the frontiers set forth by the mediation of Mr. Mbeki.

 On 6 September 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the briefing of M. Menkerios, UN Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, on the situation in these states.

Given the scale and urgency of the humanitarian situation in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile, the representative of France called upon the members of the Security Council to put pressure on the government of Sudan to stop setting down preconditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid in these two regions, in accordance with resolution 2046 and the messages contained in the presidential statement of 31 August. Negotiations were expected to bring some progresses before the deadline of September 22, particularly concerning the delimitation of the demilitarized border zone as proposed by the Panel of Experts of the African Union.

 On 20 September 2012, the Security Council held closed consultations on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

Two days before the deadline set by the roadmap of the African Union, the Security Council should support the efforts of the AU mediation and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to achieve a negotiated solution, including the acceptance by the Government of Sudan to the map proposed by the administrative Mbeki Panel on the North-South boundary.

 On 4 October 2012, the Security Council met in closed consultations to discuss the situation in Sudan and South Sudan.

The representative of France commended the agreements reached on September 27, 2012 between the presidents of both countries, thanks to the efforts of the Panel chaired by Thabo Mbeki. Their success would depend on their implementation. Negotiations should be pursued on the issues of demilitarization of the border area and status of Abyei. The representative of France also reiterated his call for the cessation of hostilities in the Blue Nile and South Kordofan regionas so that the humanitarian aid can be delivered.

 On 16 October 2012, the Security Council held a closed briefing on the situation in Sudan and in South Sudan.

The Representative of France underscored the need to maintain pressure on both governments for them to implement the agreements reached on September 27, 2012. He also condemned serious incidents in Kadougli, (capital of South Kordofan) and in the Blue Nile region, arisen on 8 October. Stopping military activities was necessary to help civilian populations.

 On 24 October 2012, the Security Council heard, in open meeting, the briefing about UNAMID made by Mr Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary General for peacekeeping operations. Mr. Mulet regretted the renewed violence in Sudan’s Darfur region and he condemned the deadly attack committed against UNAMID on 17 October, leaving one South African peacekeeper killed and three others wounded.

During the following private consultations, the Representative of France underlined the responsibility that had the Sudanese government to guarantee the freedom of movement and the safety of MINUAD’s troops.

 On 14 November, the Security Council heard, in an Arria meeting, President Thabo Mbeki, chair of the African Union High Level implementation Panel in Sudan.

The Representative of France supported the Panel’s efforts to solve the conflict and encouraged it to continue even though the process was slow. The negociations had to be pursued, as no solution could be found without the approval of both parties.

Nevertheless, a solution to the alarming situation in Kordofan had to be found as soon as possible.

 On 16 November 2012, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2075 extending the mandate of the UNISFA until 31 May 2013.

 On 28 November 2012, in an open meeting, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous presented the Secretary-General’s latest report on South Sudan.

During the following private consultations, the French representative expressed his concerns about the recent acts of violence committed against civilians in Jonglei. The Council should continue to demand that the agreement signed by Sudan and South Sudan in Addis-Abeba on 27 September be implemented without further delay.

 On 6 December 2012, Assistant Secretary General for peacekeeping operations Mr. Edmond Mulet briefed the Security Council on the situation between Sudan and South-Sudan, during closed consultations.

The French Representative, concerned about the lack of progress in the implementation by the parties of the Addis-Ababa Agreements, asked the Council to consider a possible new political initiative to stabilize the situation.

On the same day, the Ambassador of Colombia, as Chairman of the Sanctions Committee, presented to the Security Council the last report of the expert panel.
The representative of France praised the quality of work of the Panel, despite the difficult working conditions of its experts. He noted the lack of improvement of the security situation in Darfur and requested thus the report scheduled for January 2013 to establish responsibilities in the absence of implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur.

 On 13 December 2012, the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Mrs. Fatou Bensouda addressed the Security Council on Darfour issues. She expressed her great concerns about the non prosecution by the Sudanese government of individuals convicted by the Court.

In his statement, the French representative supported her call for an action of the Security Council in the aim of ending the crimes committed in the country, by condemning the non fulfilment of his duty to cooperate with the Court by Sudan, in violation of resolution 1593. A lasting peace could not be achieved as long as impunity remained.

 On 18 December 2012, Mr. Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General to Sudan and South Sudan, informed the Security Council about the status of negotiations between both governments on unsolved issues linked to the global peace agreement, especially on the final status of the Abyei region . He deplored the continuation of violence in the Sudanese regions of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile.

After noting the persistence of delays in the implementation of the 27 September agreements by the parties, the French representative reaffirmed the need for the Council to support the UA mediation efforts to facilitate an agreement between the two governments.

 On 8 January 2013, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the briefing of the Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan on the implementation of resolution 2046. Mr. Ging, chairman of OCHA, then briefed the Council on the situation of the people in Kordofan and the Blue Nile region.

The French Representative called upon the Council to express its concerns to the African Union, considering the unprecedented deterioration of the humanitarian situation.

 On 22 January 2013, Mr Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping operations, reported the Security Council on the results of recent negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan Presidents.

The representative of France urged the Council to support African Union efforts and to be patient: efforts had been noted in the implementation of 27 September agreements. However, in response to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, the Security Council had to consider all instruments provided by the resolution 2046 to ensure the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid.

 On 24 January 2013, Assistant Secretary General Edmond Mulet briefed the Security Council on UNAMID and the situation in Darfur, where he deplored the persistent humanitarian crisis.

During the following private consultations, the Representative of France reminded the obligation of the Sudanese government to guarantee, safely and without any restriction, the free movement of the Peacekeeping forces in order for them to protect the threaten people in the fighting zones.

 On 7 February 2013, the Security Council met in private consultations to hear a report by Mr. Edmont Mullet, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on the situation in Abyei. Mr. Menkerios then informed the members of the Council on the negotiations between Sudan and Southern Sudan. The representative of Argentina, which chaired the Sanctions Committee, also informed the Council on the Panel of Experts findings. The French representative regretted the lack of progress on the ground and invited the Council to examine the possibility of a redeployment within UNISFA .

 On 14 February 2013, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2091 renewing until February, 17. 2014 the mandate of the expert panel of the 1591 sanctions committee.

 On 21 February 2013, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear Mr Haile Menkerios, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan and South Sudan. He exposed the situation between the two countries since the Addis Ababa Agreement of January 4th 2013. Mr Menkerios deplored the deterioration of the security situation, in particular in Kordofan and the Blue Nile regions and the rising tensions in the region of Abyei.

The French Representative regretted the lack of action from the Security Council as the situation had been slowly deteriorating between the two countries. He also urged the Security Council to express its support to the African Union efforts as was asked by the regional organization.

 On 12 March 2013, Mr. Hervé Ladsous and Mr. Haile Menkerios briefed the Security Council, gathered in closed consultations, on the situation at the border between Sudan and South Sudan.

The French representative welcomed the adoption by both States on 8 March of the implementation procedures for the 27 September 2012 agreements establishing a buffer zone at the border between them. Yet, the Security Council had to remain vigilant, as the achievements in the region had often proven fragile.

  On 18 March 2013, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear Mr Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations on the security situation in Darfur. Despite the recent cessation of hostilities in the region, the situation was still very tense.

The representative of France said UNAMID had a duty to actively protect civilians and especially in the most affected areas. He stressed that the Security Council had to speak out on the situation in Darfur and send a strong message.

 On 21 March 2013, the Security Council met to hear the report of Mr. Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNAMI. Mr. Kobler noted recent positive developments between Iraq and Koweit and welcomed the resumption of flights between Baghdad and Kuwait City.

During the private consultations that followed, the representative of France expressed concerns about the political and security situation in the country. He also stressed that the work of UNAMI was more necessary than ever to encourage the Iraqi authorities to reinforce institutions and the rule of law.

 On 9 April 2013, after five blue helmets and seven civilians working for the UN had been killed in an attack in Jonglei, the Security Council made a press statement condemning the incident and demanding the South Sudanese government to investigate it and to bring the perpetrators to justice.

 On 11 April 2013, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the reports of Mr. Yohannes Gebremeskel Tesfamariam, Head of UNISFA and Mr. Edmond Mulet, Assistant Secretary-General for peacekeeping operations on the situation in Abyei region.

The representative of France stressed that the main objective was now to demilitarize the border area to prevent tensions between Sudan and South Sudan. He highlighted that the cessation of hostilities and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid in the region could not be done without Khartoum and the SPLM-N opening negotiations without any delay.

 On 29 April 2013, Mr Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, presented to the Security Council the Secretary-General report on recent political, security and humanitarian developments in Darfur.
Despite a few progresses in the implementation of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), no inclusive political settlement had been achieved after 10 years of conflict. The conflict in Darfur had intensified, due to both inter-community standoff and sporadic clashes between the Government forces and armed groups. The deterioration of the security climate was worsening the humanitarian situation of civilian populations and had displaced more than 200,000 people since January.

During the following consultations, the representative of France strongly condemned the attack against UNAMID, which had killed one Nigerian soldier on April, 19 in Muhajeria. Freedom of movement of the Blue Helmets had to be granted by the government, without any restriction.

In the afternoon, Mr. Haile Menkerios informed the Security Council on the recent advances in the field of negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan. The French Representative welcomed the decision taken to open 10 cross-border points, as a follow-up to the 8 March conference, as well as the resumption of oil production.

 On 6 May 2013, the Security Council adopted a press statement condemning the attack against UNISFA by Misseiya elements, which led to the death of the Dinka leader and of an Ethiopian peacekeeper.

 On 9 May 2013, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operation Haile Menkerios informed the Council members, gathered in closed consultations, on the recent progress in the implementation of the Addis-Abeba agreements by the parties.

While on 4 May 2013, an attack against UNISFA by Misseriya elements had led to the death of an Ethiopian peacekeeper and of the Dinka leader (read the Security Council’s press statement), the French Representative reiterated its support to the UN interim force, which was the only legitimate force there, in the absence of the creation of a police. The situation in Abiyei remaining highly fragile, the French Representative invited the Council to reevaluate UNISFA’s action with the view to further strengthen it.

 On 16 May 2013, the Security Council met in closed consultations to hear the report of Argentina as Chairperson of the sanctions Committee of resolution 1591.
The representative of France called the Sudanese government to insure to the Panel of experts access and Freedom of movement in the country.

 On 23 May 2013, during closed consultations, the Security Council heard the briefing of Mr Edmont Mullet, Assistant-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, on recent fulfilments of the Agreement signed by Sudan and South Sudan on 27 September 2012 in Addis-Ababa.

The representative of France stressed the need for UNISFA to ensure the demilitarization of Abyei and the protection of civilians within.