Biden calls for AU membership in G20 and UN Security Council

Biden calls for AU membership in G20 and UN Security Council

President Joe Biden of the United States affirmed the goals of the African Union’s Agenda 2063 on Thursday, calling for the AU’s permanent membership in the G20 while reiterating his support for an African seat on the United Nations Security Council. “African voices, African leadership, African innovation all are critical…

Guterres, Security Council focus on Tigray crisis

Guterres, Security Council focus on Tigray crisis

It’s been a week since any food or aid trucks were able to enter the Tigray region of Ethiopia, amid a mounting humanitarian crisis because of the unabated regional conflict. Nearly a half-million people are on the brink of famine, according to OCHA, the United Nations office for humanitarian assistance….

UN Security Council turns attention to South Sudan

South Sudan’s leaders are moving forward on the path to peace but “the new government faces a daunting array of challenges that will test its unity,” said David Shearer, the United Nations representative, during updates delivered Wednesday to the UN Security Council. “Our actions can push South Sudan further towards…

UN Security Council, troika press South Sudan on progress

A delegation of the United Nations Security Council in South Sudan, meeting at the weekend with both President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar, warned that there are just three weeks left before a November 12 deadline to form their transitional unity government. The deal, brokered through the regional…

Fresh concerns over Ebola outbreak as Japan tests for possible victim

The United Nations Security Council has again expressed “grave concern” over developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the death toll from the Ebola virus outbreak has reached 1,843 people, according to the latest numbers from the World Health Organization. The 15-member council issued its statement through current council…

Report: Another 350 opposition members arrested in Cameroon

At least 350 members and supporters of Cameroon’s main opposition party, including its leaders, were arrested at the weekend after they tried to hold demonstrations, according to Human Rights Watch. That’s drawn new criticism from the organization, which joined other groups in appealing to the United Nations Security Council for…

Afwerki cautions against ‘premature’ change for Eritrea

President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea, speaking at Independence Day celebrations in Asmara, acknowledged that “a new era” has come to the Horn of Africa nation but it is not a time for sweeping change. “Before prematurely charting out new and permanent sustainable development programs, it is imperative that we conduct…

MINUSCA chief appeals for CAR humanitarian, security support

Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, head of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), said the nation remains under threat and requires the continued support of the UN Security Council in order to assist the CAR in restoring government authority, and meet humanitarian needs. Nearly one in four Central…

UN agencies advance protection of antiquities, cultural heritage

The United Nations Security Council has moved to strengthen protections against the destruction and trafficking of priceless antiquities and humanity’s shared cultural heritage. Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO – the United Nations entity that helps to protect cultural sites across the globe – hailed the adoption of a new…