Africa 

Trafficking in the Sahel: Cracking down on illicit drugs

In this feature, part of a series exploring trafficking in the Sahel, UN News focuses on the illicit drug trade. According to a new report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), drug trafficking in the Sahel continues to hinder security, economic development and the rule of law while jeopardising public health. “Drug trafficking is well-established in the Sahel region… Read More
Africa 

Justice officer from DR Congo mission wins UN Trailblazer award

First awarded in 2022, it acknowledges the exceptional contributions made by women justice and corrections officers serving from Member States across the world, who challenge gender stereotypes and barriers. In an interview with UN News, Major Douzi said she was deeply honoured and grateful to have been recognized for her efforts. “First of all, it means a lot to me… Read More
Africa 

Ongoing war in Sudan stalls progress in disputed Abyei region

Despite these challenges, the UN remains prepared to support both parties, in close collaboration with the African Union, once they resume political negotiation said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, briefing ambassadors at the Security Council. Intercommunal tensions The situation in Sudan has also exacerbated intercommunal tensions in Abyei, highlighted by recent clashes over cattle rustling that resulted in multiple fatalities among the Misseriya… Read More
Africa 

Unprecedented flooding displaces hundreds of thousands across East Africa

In an alert, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic flooding and mudslides while also severely damaging roads, bridges and dams.  More than 637,000 people have been affected by weeks of deluges, including 234,000 displaced in just the last five days. There is no official figure for the number of dead. Never-ending emergency  “The numbers… Read More
Africa 

First UN civil society forum held in Africa heralds ‘inclusive’ Summit of the Future

Bringing together civil society actors, government representatives, senior UN officials, young changemakers, academic and other stakeholders, the UN Civil Society Conference is the premier event on the civil society calendar at the United Nations, ahead of the Summit of the Future, set for this coming September.  Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General, in a video message to the Conference, began by expressing… Read More
Africa 

Somalia urged to take ‘concrete action’ against officials who violate citizens’ rights

Concluding an official visit to the Horn of Africa nation Isha Dyfan highlighted the impact on civilians, especially women and children, who continue to bear the brunt of deadly attacks carried out by Al-Shabaab terrorists. “I strongly condemn the continued deadly attacks perpetrated by Al-Shabaab and urge the Government to take all steps to ensure the protection of civilians, and… Read More
Africa 

Madagascar: Coordination, convergence and change from the grass roots up

Those are the questions that UN agencies on the ground in Madagascar are considering as the island nation struggles against climate change, huge humanitarian needs and persistent underdevelopment. UNICEF’s Deputy Representative, Head of Programmes Gilles Chevalier and Natasha van Rijn the Resident Representative for the UN Development Programme discuss how changes in the way they are working are helping to… Read More