The mission of the Political Affairs Division (PAD) is to provide advice and support on all political matters to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and his Principal Deputy (PDSRSG). This includes:

• Monitoring, analyzing and assessing political developments throughout the Sudan;
• Monitoring, analyzing and assessing implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA);
• Identifying potential or actual conflicts and providing good offices to help prevent or resolve them;
• Supporting AU efforts in Darfur and with regard to the Abuja peace process;
• Assisting the SRSG and PDSRSG in carrying out political activities in the areas of prevention, control and resolution of conflicts, including post-conflict peace-building;
• Providing the SRSG and PDSRSG with advice on electoral matters;
• Providing the SRSG and PDSRSG with briefing materials and supporting him in the political aspects of his relations with Member States and regional organizations;

Substantive areas of current interest are:

• CPA implementation;
• Darfur;
• The East;
• Electoral assistance, pending the establishment of an Electoral Unit;
• Cooperation with member states and regional organizations.

The Division is headed by a Director of Political Affairs and has a total strength of 11 Political Affairs Officers and three Administrative Assistants.