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.