Security Council
“A joined-up mediation approach” on Sudan is essential to ensure ceasefire and civilian political tracks are harmonized, ASG Pobee tells Council
On 16 November, Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama A. Pobee briefed the Security Council on Sudan, underlining that the conflict had been raging for seven months with no sign of de-escalation. On the contrary, hostilities had intensified in recent weeks. In Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces had made significant military gains, gaining control of the Sudanese Armed Forces bases in Nyala Zalingei and El Geneina between 26 October and 4 November. While both warring parties have declared a readiness to negotiate a ceasefire, their actions on the ground suggest otherwise, she said. Given the changed circumstances since the outbreak of the conflict, the Secretary-General had initiated a strategic review of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) to provide the Council with options on how to adapt the Mission’s mandate to better fit the current context. During the 16 November Council briefing, the Government of Sudan announced its decision to terminate the Mission with immediate effect. On 17 November, the Secretary-General appointed Ramtane Lamamra as his Personal Envoy for Sudan. The Personal Envoy will continue to engage closely with all actors, including the Sudanese authorities and members of the Council, on next steps.
Security Council votes to renew Panel of Experts and Sanctions on Yemen
On 14 November, in a show of unity, the Council voted unanimously to renew a travel ban and assets freeze imposed on specific individuals and entities in Yemen for one year, and also to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with assisting the Council’s Yemen sanctions committee.
Peacebuilding Commission
PBC provides written advice to the Security Council on the Central African Republic
On 11 November, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) provided written advice to the Security Council on the Central African Republic (CAR). The advice called for continued support towards the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-CAR) and the disarmament and demobilization process as an essential means to fostering greater security and stability in CAR. The PBC noted the valuable role of the PBF in supporting projects that promote the reintegration of ex-combatants, as well as community resilience, through the engagement of youth and women. The Commission also underscored the enduring relevance of MINUSCA’s deployment and mandate and noted that the upcoming local elections offer a unique opportunity to make further progress in the political and peace processes.
The written advice followed the visit of the Chair of CAR configuration, Omar Hilale, to Bangui from 7 to 11 November. The visit focused on the inter-linkages between the political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges currently facing the country and assessed the state of implementation of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA) as well as gaining an appreciation of CAR’s efforts in fighting impunity, and strengthening its rule of law and justice sector.
PBC Chair visits the African Union Commission
From 13 to 14 November, the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ivan Šimonović visited the African Union (AU) Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to explore opportunities for strengthened cooperation between the PBC and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU) facilitated the bilateral meetings between the PBC and the senior AUC leadership, and the consultations with Addis Ababa-based diplomatic partners, civil society organizations and regional economic communities. The PBC delegation also paid a courtesy visit President Sahle-Worke Zewde of Ethiopia, where they discussed the role of the Peacebuilding Commission, and various national, regional, and thematic contexts.
During the visit, the PBC Chair and Chair of the AUPSC, Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, convened the 6th Annual Informal Consultative Meeting of the AUPSC and the PBC. The meeting highlighted the two bodies’ commitment to institutionalizing cooperation and enhancing collaboration in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. Participants proposed ideas to strengthen the partnership, including through the two bodies’ joint support for national prevention strategies, joint country visits and joint engagement with key stakeholders in the region.
PBC explores synergies with PBF Advisory Group for global peacebuilding initiatives
On 17 November, the PBC held its first ever meeting with the Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The meeting explored synergies between PBF and PBC in the context of ‘A New Agenda for Peace’, the Summit of the Future and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review 2025. Participants, including PBC Vice-Chair Antje Leendertse, PBF Advisory Group Chair Sara Pantuliano and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar, recognized the increased urgency for peacebuilding in the current global context and the vulnerabilities of populations affected by violent conflict. Member states and the Advisory Group discussed opportunities to enhance synergies, including through regular interaction and strategic advice to the Fund, joint visits to PBF recipient countries.
7th PBF Advisory Group discusses strategic outlook, funding trends, and insights from visit to Mauritania
The 7th Advisory Group of the PBF gathered for its third session in New York on 17 November. ASG Spehar provided a strategic outlook relevant to the Fund’s direction and decision-making. Jennifer Topping, the Executive Director of the UN Multi-Partner Trust Fund, provided insights into trends in pooled funding. Discussions focused on the PBF’s 2023 performance, resource allocation, and key considerations for the revision of the PBF Terms of Reference. Members received briefings on the collaborative visit of the PBF donor and Advisory Group to Mauritania, uncovering pivotal insights into the PBF’s role in preventative contexts. The Advisory Group further discussed the design, monitoring and evaluation practice of the PBF. They also explored opportunities presented by the upcoming launch of the PBSO Peacebuilding Impact Hub to deepen collective comprehension of the impact of peacebuilding efforts.
Central Africa
Special Representative Abarry concludes official visit to Chad
From 13 to 17 November, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), Abdou Abarry, visited Chad to continue his engagements with key stakeholders in the national transition process. Abarry met with the President of the transition and Head of State, General Mahamat Idriss Déby Into, as well as with Prime Minister Saleh Kebzabo and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mahamat Saleh Annadif. SRSG Abarry also met with representatives of opposition political parties, coalitions for political dialogue, and civil society organizations. He stressed the importance of additional measures to ensure inclusion of all national stakeholders in the transition.
West Africa and the Sahel
SRSG Simão concludes visit to Liberia in support of peaceful round of voting for presidential election
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simão, concluded on 15 November a three-day visit in the wake of the second round of the presidential election. The Special Representative welcomed the generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the run-off. He also reiterated his call to the candidates and their supporters to respect the official results once announced by the National Election Commission (NEC) and to follow existing legal channels to resolve any electoral disputes.
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Somalia
Special Representative Laing discusses political and security developments in Puntland
On 11 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) Catriona Laing visited Puntland, where she met with its leadership, political actors and civil society. Among the issues discussed were Puntland’s relations with the Federal Government of Somalia, the crisis in Laascaanood, and elections. At a joint media encounter with Puntland’s President Said Abdullahi Deni, SRSG Laing recognized Puntland’s leaders' efforts to reach out to different groups. She also encouraged the President to expand this outreach to “not just opposition leaders, elders and clan leaders, but also people who have a stake – the youth, the women and scholars and – to include them to ensure that when the elections take place there's consensus and of course peaceful elections.”
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Central Asia
UNRCCA Special Representative visits Brussels
On 16-17 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) Kaha Imnadze visited Brussels for consultations with the European Union (EU). SRSG Imnadze held meetings with Diplomatic Adviser to the President of the European Council Simon Mordue, Senior Advisor on the Central Asia region Magdalena Grono, and EU Special Envoy for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson. Discussions focused on global and regional challenges, including the implications of the situation in Afghanistan for the region. In all his meetings, the SRSG expressed confidence that the UN-EU cooperation would continue to contribute to peace and stability in the region.
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UNRCCA co-hosts the Central Asian Women Leaders' caucus visit to EU institutions in Brussels
On 13-15 November, UNRCCA and the office of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia (EUSR CA) jointly organized a visit by members of the Central Asian Women Leaders’ Caucus (CAWLC) and civil society representatives from Central Asia to the Institutions of the European Union in Brussels. The focus of the visit was on the Women, Peace and Security agenda, women in innovation and activities to fight gender-based violence.
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First Turkmenistan Ashgabat model UN Regional Conference held in Tashkent
On 10-11 November, UNRCCA co-organized the first Turkmenistan Ashgabat Model United Nations (TAMUN) Regional Conference in Tashkent. More than 100 students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in the event.
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Yemen
Special Envoy Grundberg concludes visit to senior officials in Riyadh
Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen Hans Grundberg concluded a visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 15 November. He met with the President of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, Rashad Al Alimi, and the Yemeni Foreign Minister, Ahmed bin Mubarak. The discussions focused on the progress of the efforts to reach an agreement that addresses some of the deteriorating living conditions in Yemen, establishes a nationwide ceasefire, and paves the way for an inclusive intra-Yemeni political process under UN auspices.
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Lebanon
Special Coordinator speaks with senior officials ahead of Security Council meeting
Ahead of next week’s Security Council consultations, Special Coordinator of the Secretary-General for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka discussed with several Lebanese officials and stakeholders the crucial importance of Security Council Resolution 1701 for the security and stability of Lebanon and the region. In a meeting with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, she stressed the need to shield Lebanon from tensions, as well as de-escalation along the Blue Line. With caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib and with the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces Gen. Joseph Aoun and Internal Security Forces Director Maj. Gen. Imad Othman, the Special Coordinator discussed the security situation along the Blue Line and efforts to reduce tensions. She also exchanged views with Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, MP Ashraf Rifi, Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros El-Rahi and other stakeholders on the importance of functioning and empowered state institutions.
Special Coordinator chairs roundtable meeting on Women, Peace and Security
Special Coordinator Wronecka chaired on 16 November a roundtable meeting with a group of women activists and heads of non-governmental organizations to understand and promote experiences in the implementation of women, peace and security agenda in Lebanon. The Special Coordinator highlighted the central role for women in processes and efforts aimed at conflict prevention and resolution, particularly in light of current developments in the region. The participants shared their views on different aspects of women inclusion in Lebanon’s decision-making and in any solutions for Lebanon on the way forward. The discussions also highlighted how despite the crisis, women have kept taking leadership role at many levels, even in the ongoing emergency response.
Iraq
Special Representative Hennis-Plasschaert discusses political situation
On 15 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert met with the President of Iraq, Abdullatif Jamal Rashid, where they discussed the political situation in the country. She also participated in a meeting on the Role of Media in Promoting Participation in Elections, which was organized by the President’s Consultative Body at the Presidency of the Republic.
UN workshop in Baghdad tackles misinformation and hate speech
On 14 November, UNAMI’s Human Rights Office and the Office of Electoral Assistance held a workshop in Baghdad titled “Fact-Checking for the Protection of Freedom of Expression and Countering Hate Speech” for representatives from civil society organizations, the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights and the Independent High Electoral Commission. The workshop discussed strategies and tools to counter the issues of mis- and dis-information and hate speech on social media, including through fact-checking, and agreed to develop a code of conduct for their respective organizations.
Colombia
Mission supports launch of photography exhibit by children from Tierra Grata
Between 11 and 13 November, the former TATR Tierra Grata department of Cesar held its first “International Community Film Festival.” With support from the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, the festival included a photography workshop for children from the community and neighboring villages, which culminated in an exhibition. Five teachers, including a public information officer from the Mission, taught 29 young people how to use various techniques to produce photography.
Medellín marks seventh anniversary of peace agreement between Government and former FARC-EP
On 17 November, in Medellin, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu took part in the forum "La ruta de la paz: 7 años del Acuerdo.” The forum was organized by Valor Público, study and advocacy centres of the EAFIT University, Proantioquia, Comfama, the Allied Network for Truth in Antioquia and the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, as part of the commemoration of the seventh anniversary of the Peace Agreement between the Government of Colombia and the former FARC-EP. "Colombia is an example for the world. Few Agreements go beyond the fifth year of implementation. Seven years later - halfway through the Roadmap for implementation - the parties remain committed." SRSG Ruiz Massieu said at a panel on the progress and prospects of the Agreement. Also among the panel participants were Rodrigo Londoño, signatory of the peace agreement and president of the Comunes party, ARN and the EAFIT University.
Next Week
On 20 November, the Security Council will hold an open debate under the agenda item Maintenance of international peace and security on promoting sustaining peace through common development.
