TRIPOLI – Members of the Structured Dialogue’s National Reconciliation and Human Rights Track concluded their third round of in-person meetings in Tripoli on Thursday. The discussions focused on transitional justice, accountability for past violations, abuses, strengthening trust in state institutions and their role in advancing national reconciliation. Members reviewed existing initiatives and legislation, examining how to strengthen them to…
The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Barrie Freeman, concluded today her visit to Banjul, The Gambia, where she participated in a two-day high-level workshop on “Strengthening Security and Stabilization in Sahel and West Africa: Bridging Good Governance, Regional Cooperation, and Multilateral Responses.” During the workshop, Ms. Freeman contributed to a panel discussion on “Regional and…
YAMBIO - Esther John Hayat is hard to miss on the Yambio airstrip. Driving a candy-red fire truck across the tarmac, dressed in a hard hat and a fireproof suit, she cuts a striking figure. But it’s not just the uniform and vehicle that draws attention, it’s the fact she’s the only woman in the entire state of Western Equatoria doing this job. Her day begins at 6:00 am with meticulous equipment checks of the hoses, water cannons, fire…
A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally. ASG Khiari warns of escalating fighting and rising civilian toll in Ukraine On 20 April, Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General (ASG) for the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific, briefed the Security Council on developments in Ukraine. He noted that a temporary Easter truce announced from 11 to 12 April was not respected, with…
The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Head of MONUSCO, Mr. James Swan, arrived in Goma on Friday, April 24, 2026, as part of his first field visit to the eastern part of the country since taking office and which started on 20 April with Beni. This visit comes amid persistent security challenges and ceasefire monitoring responsibilities for MONUSCO. Upon his arrival at Goma…
United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert held a round of meetings this week with Lebanese political, security and religious representatives. In exercising her good offices role, the Special Coordinator discussed with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ongoing efforts to consolidate the cessation of hostilities and advance stability in Lebanon. Ms. Hennis-Plasschaert also met with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces…
New analysis underscores urgent need for coordinated responses to protect civilians. Bogotá, Colombia – 15 April 2026. The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in Colombia has launched a new technical paper titled “Uncrewed Aircraft Systems with Explosive Payloads: Emerging Threats and Challenges for Colombia”, highlighting the growing humanitarian risks associated with the use of weaponized drones by non-state armed groups. Presented…
WAU – In 2016, clashes between armed forces caused almost 40,000 people to flee Wau town in search of a safe haven. By 2020, many had resettled in other parts of the country while about 10,000 former residents remained in the Naivasha protection site, established by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and partners. Since then, the site has undergone various changes regarding protection mandates and different partner organizations providing…
YAMBIO – Victoria* gazes lovingly at the upturned face of the four-month-old infant lying on her lap. She brushes her palm gently across his forehead and giggles as the baby coos and gurgles and kicks his tiny legs in the air. She leans back and smiles, her eyes glinting with pride, revelling in the newfound joy of motherhood. Just shy of 19, her smile and calm demeanour conceal the many horrors that she’s battled. And survived. Abducted by an…
The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The leaders discussed various governance challenges, including the increase in unconstitutional changes of government…
CENTRAL EQUATORIA – More than 500 people, including several members of the national parliament, gathered in Terekeka County’s Freedom Square to renew their commitment to peace ahead of elections scheduled for December 2024…
Peacekeepers, humanitarians, locals, returning refugees, men, women, children - everyone had a brilliant time when UNMISS organized a fun-run in Pariang. Photos by Peter Bateman/UNMISS. RUWENG – A “fun-run”, they said, the…
TRIPOLI – 18 September – Teams from 9 UN agencies have been on the ground delivering aid and support to those affected by Storm Daniel and the flash flooding for the last few days. In the past few days, UNICEF teams were in…
On 16 September, MINURSO observed Mexico’s national day by raising the Mexican flag at the Mission HQ in Laayoune. This Day commemorates when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla — a Catholic priest and leader of the resistance — gave…
RUWENG – A “fun-run”, they said, the Mongolian peacekeepers nearing the finishing line of their tour of duty in Pariang. Fifteen kilometres, they added, and the scepticism among eavesdroppers was palpable. But was everybody…
On 18 September, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga represented UNOAU at the 22 nd UN-AU Joint Task Force (JTF) on Peace and Security held at UN Headquarters in New York , to discuss the status of the partnership between the UN and…
Bio Cadale - The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Sunday kicked off the second phase of troop drawdown from Somalia with the handing over of Bio Cadale Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the HirShabelle…
Hirshabelle – The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) on Sunday kicked off the second phase of troop drawdown from Somalia with the handing over of Biyo Cadde Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the HirShabelle…
On 17 September, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga attended the 4 th AU-EU-UN Trilateral Meeting held at UN Headquarters in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), along with the Chairperson of the AUC, Moussa…
DERNA, 16 September – Special Representative of the Secretary General, Abdoulaye Bathily, visited Derna today to see the devastated city firsthand. He met with first responders and survivors who showed him the demolished…