MINUSCA chief to Security Council: Decade-long cycle of conflict can be broken

MINUSCA chief to Security Council: Decade-long cycle of conflict can be broken

Valentine Rugwabiza head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MINUSCA) briefed ambassadors on important progress which has been made in the implementation of a key 2019 peace agreement between the Government and armed groups. She emphasized the significance of the dissolution following “active engagements” by the Government in April, of two armed groups…

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Libya: ‘Persistent disagreements’ must be overcome, Security Council hears

Libya: ‘Persistent disagreements’ must be overcome, Security Council hears

Abdoulaye Bathily, briefed the Security Council and acknowledged the recent efforts of the so-called “6+6” Committee working towards new elections, as an important step forward, though insufficient to resolve the most contested issues. He said the lack of agreement over eligibility criteria for the presidential poll, the link between that and parliamentary elections, and the issue…

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For the first time, Germany declared Russia a threat to national security

For the first time, Germany declared Russia a threat to national security

Berlin: Germany has announced its first national security strategy, calling Russia a threat. According to international media reports, Germany has declared Russia as the biggest threat to Europe in its national security declaration. The declaration outlines the country’s foreign policy, which has prioritized security over economic interests following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Chancellor Olaf…

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Climate shocks set to worsen already fragile hotspots, Security Council hears

Climate shocks set to worsen already fragile hotspots, Security Council hears

Climate shocks are triggering worsening security environments, from Afghanistan to Mali, and UN peacekeeping missions are taking steps to adapt, from reducing their carbon footprint to addressing myriad related consequences. “Given the growing linkages of climate change, peace, and security as well as the broader changes to the conflict dynamics in the areas in which…

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UN Security Council to welcome five new non-permanent members

UN Security Council to welcome five new non-permanent members

Algeria, Guyana, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone and Slovenia will join the premier body for maintaining international peace and security, starting in January, serving for a two-year period.  They were among six countries vying for five non-permanent seats around the Council’s horseshoe-shaped table that will become vacant at the end of the year.  Securing a…

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Asia's top security summit 'Shangri-La Dialogue' begins in Singapore

Asia’s top security summit ‘Shangri-La Dialogue’ begins in Singapore

Asia’s top security summit began in Singapore today, and will continue till June 4. The Shangri-La Dialogue is attended by senior military officers, diplomats, arms manufacturers and security analysts from around the world. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver the keynote speech, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and China’s Defense Minister Li Shengfu will…

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Sudan: Crisis fuels ‘desperate’ situation for civilians, as Security Council demands unhindered humanitarian access

Sudan: Crisis fuels ‘desperate’ situation for civilians, as Security Council demands unhindered humanitarian access

In a press statement issued late on Friday, the UN Security Council expressed its “deep concern” over the continued clashes, condemning all attacks on civilians, and calling for “rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Sudan”. The 15-member body emphasized the need for an immediate ceasefire, and reaffirmed its backing for the UN transition mission…

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Korean Peninsula: Security Council must find unity to calm rising tensions

Korean Peninsula: Security Council must find unity to calm rising tensions

“Key peace and security issues, such as the situation on the Korean Peninsula, must be an area for cooperation,” she cautioned in a briefing to the 15-member Council on recent developments. “Diplomacy – not isolation – is the only way forward.” During the Council’s emergency debate on the issue, members expressed divergent views, with many…

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Nearly half of Haiti going hungry, new food security report warns

Nearly half of Haiti going hungry, new food security report warns

The latest integrated food security phase classification (IPC) analysis, reported on Sunday that of the total number of affected people, 1.8 million are in an emergency-level phase of need. This means that households face large food consumption gaps resulting in high acute malnutrition and excess mortality, or are forced to adopt negative coping mechanisms to…

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