While Central African countries have achieved several important governance milestones, those strides have unfolded against a “troubling backdrop” marked by relentless terrorist attacks, mass population displacement and increasing restrictions on civil and political rights, a senior political and peacebuilding official warned the Security Council today.
In Gaza, as of 31 May, UN partners were delivering about 678,000 meals a day through 80 kitchens — a sharp decline from mid-March, when 170 kitchens were providing 1.5 million meals daily.
In Mauritania, the UN Central Emergency Response Fund has released $2.5 million to prepare for and mitigate the impact of expected severe drought. The funds will enable the Food and Agriculture Organization, UN Children’s Fund, World Food Programme and aid partners immediately support around 120,000 people.
Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message to the Africa Dialogue Series 2026: “Water and Sanitation for Life: Harnessing Water Resources for the Africa We Want”, today in New York:
In Uganda, the UN and its humanitarian partners launched a $15.8 million emergency appeal to support the Government-led response to Ebola. As of 28 May, Uganda has confirmed eight Ebola cases, three of which involve health workers. Since 14 May, two deaths linked to the outbreak have been reported — one confirmed and one probable.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Mohamed El-Amine Souef of the Comoros as his new Special Representative for Central Africa and Head of the United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA). He succeeds Abdou Abarry of Niger, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for his important contribution and service to UNOCA.
On 13 May 2026, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, convened the tenth African Union–United Nations Annual Conference at the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Following is UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ message for Africa Day, observed on 25 May:
Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher has allocated $12 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund for food, healthcare, drinking water and shelter, among other life-saving aid, to 200,000 people in Jonglei and Upper Nile States in South Sudan grappling with conflict-triggered displacement and food insecurity.
