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…
À Obo, dans le Haut-Mbomou, 80 représentants de partis politiques ont bénéficié, le 21 avril, d’une formation organisée par la Délégation sous-préfectorale des élections (DSPE) avec l’appui de la MINUSCA, afin de renforcer leurs compétences dans les bureaux de vote le jour des scrutins. Les modules développés ont porté notamment sur les droits et devoirs des représentants des partis politiques dans les bureaux de vote, ainsi que sur le code de…
UNITY – In volatile Leer County, residents are exceedingly familiar with the devastating consequences of intercommunal fighting. At a point where tensions in parts of South Sudan are rapidly increasing, they know what their…
James Sokiri CENTRAL EQUATORIA - In Tokiman East on the outskirts of Juba, residents are frustrated by and worried about the lack of progress made to implement their countries peace agreement. “It is time for our leaders to…
“The European Union and its member states are very important partners for the UN as a whole and for peacekeeping in particular, in many different ways. With the EU we have a close cooperation including on the ground. Most EU…
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent dialogue between the country’s leaders to de-escalate tensions and restore calm.“To prevent a relapse into…
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) is calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urgent dialogue between the country’s leaders to de-escalate tensions and restore calm. “To prevent a relapse into…
With tensions rising in South Sudan, people in Leer County call on local and national leaders to reach agreements through dialogue for peace to prevail. Photos: Jacob Ruai/UNMISS UNITY – In volatile Leer County, residents are…
When given an opportunity to ask UNMISS and RJMEC representatives about the political situation in South Sudan, community members in Tokiman East near Juba grabbed it with both hands. Photos: James Ohisa/UNMISS CENTRAL…
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called on all parties to exercise restraint and uphold the peace agreement as violence escalates and reports emerge of the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar. “Tonight…
EASTERN EQUATORIA - Radio Miraya, the broadcaster run by the United Nations Mission in #SouthSudan (UNMISS) has devoted, listening fans across the country. When a crew from the station spent a few days in Torit and Magwi…
UNIFIL and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday, renewing the UN peacekeeping mission’s support for humanitarian and operational demining in the UNIFIL area of operations in…
Good to see you again. (Inaudible) Syria, how concerned are you? Mr. Pedersen: Listen, what happened, of course, on the coast is not only extremely alarming, it's disturbing, you know, unacceptable. Then, we are also, as you…