Rising political tensions ahead of presidential and legislative elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo risked sparking a “severe crisis”, the Deputy Secretary-General told the Security Council today, calling on all political stakeholders to give dialogue a chance, engage in good faith and prioritize the nation’s interests.
The Security Council extended its authorization of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 May 2017 today, agreeing with the Secretary-General that conditions in that country were not appropriate for the deployment of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Despite continuing violence and terrorism, including stabbings and shootings, important progress could be made through a demonstration of sincere commitment to advancing the goal of a two-State solution, the Secretary-General’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council today.
The Security Council today renewed the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) until 30 June 2017, determining that the situation in Sudan constituted a threat to international peace and security.
The Security Council today authorized the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) to adopt a more “proactive and robust posture”, including when protecting civilians against asymmetric threats, while increasing its troop levels and extending its mandate for a year.
The Security Council today decided to extend the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) until 31 December, noting with concern that the situation in the Middle East was tense and was likely to remain so until a comprehensive settlement could be reached.
The recent “stuttering momentum” in delivering humanitarian aid to Syria’s besieged and hard-to-reach populations must be significantly expanded in the second half of 2016, the United Nations humanitarian chief told the Security Council today, warning that progress made to date was “but a trickle” compared with the country’s overwhelming needs.
The Security Council today extended its arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on the Democratic Republic of the Congo until 1 July 2017 and the mandate of the Expert Group assisting the Sanctions Committee through 1 August 2017.
The Organization’s intergovernmental advisory body that supports peacebuilding in countries emerging from conflict was improving its impact through more transparent and strategic working methods, improved partnerships with regional and subregional organizations and a focus on peacebuilding needs in the Ebola recovery, the Security Council heard today.
Despite persistent political, economic and security challenges, Afghanistan could make significant strides towards peace and stability in 2016, said Nicholas Haysom this afternoon in his final briefing to the Security Council as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for that country.
