UN Security Council: Press Statement on the Situation in Somalia

The Members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the ongoing disagreement within the Somali Government and the negative impact on the electoral timetable and process

The Members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the current situation in Somalia. The Members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern about the ongoing disagreement within the Somali Government and the negative impact on the electoral timetable and process. They…

Joint Statement on Dispute Between the President and Prime Minister

The ongoing division and politicisation risks undermining the important progress that has been made

As Somalis mark the one-year anniversary of the 17 September Agreement, international partners* are increasingly alarmed that the escalating dispute between the President and Prime Minister will undermine Somalia’s stability and derail the electoral process.     We urge the President and Prime Minister to resolve their differences immediately, avoid further unhelpful exchanges…

Niger: Increasing Number of Children Killed and Recruited by Armed Groups in Sahel’s Tri-border Area – New Report

Increasing numbers of children are being killed and targeted for recruitment by armed groups in conflicts raging at Niger’s borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, Amnesty International said in a new report published today. The 57-page report, ‘I Have Nothing Left Except Myself’: The Worsening Impact on Children of Conflict in…

Political and Security Discussions Dominate Meeting between UN Peace Chief and South Sudan’s President

The need to urgently progress security arrangements and the peace process more broadly was top of the agenda

Three years ago today, a peace deal was signed between warring parties in South Sudan, ending a long and bloody civil war. But the country is still struggling to fully implement the agreement and deliver the peace, recovery, and development it promised its people. The need to urgently progress security…

Human Rights Abuses Intensifying in Eastern DR Congo - UNHCR

An alarming number of human rights abuses have been carried out against civilians this year by armed groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Friday

In the two most affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, UNHCR and its partners recorded more than 1,200 civilian deaths and 1,100 rapes, constituting a total of 25,000 human rights abuses.  Speaking in Geneva, UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov said the violence “continues to cost lives and drive people from their homes”.   Host families ‘exhausted’  In…

INS Tabar Conducts Maritime Partnership Exercise with Egyptian Navy

The maritime partnership exercise culminated with a ‘Steam Past’ between the two ships, as per naval custom

On leaving the port of Alexandria on 05 September 21, INS Tabar undertook a maritime partnership exercise with ENS Alexandria, a frontline frigate of the Egyptian Navy, in the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise involved multiple activities covering a wide range of naval operations. These included drills for transit through asymmetric…

AMISOM and Somalia Security Forces Establish Joint Operations Centres Across Somalia and Start Specialised Trainings to Secure National Elections

The 45 officers will receive training in forensic investigations and intelligence-led policing

Members of Somalia’s security services are undergoing an extensive 6-day training at the Banadir Joint Operations Centre (JOC) to provide them with specialist skills needed to secure the country’s ongoing national elections. Drawn from the Somalia Police Force (SPF), the National Intelligence Agency (NISA) and the Somalia National Army (SNA),…

AMISOM Officers Trained on Civilian Protection

The training was to reinforce the knowledge and skills of the troops on the need to protect civilians

Kenyan troops serving under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Kismayo have undergone a refresher training on Civilian Protection during military operations.  The training, which covered International Humanitarian Law, specifically the protection of women and children, conflict-related sexual violence and gender-based violence, was to reinforce the knowledge and…

U.S. Forces Participate in Exercise Bright Star in Egypt

Approximately 600 U.S. military personnel will participate in the exercise, which was originally scheduled for 2020, but postponed due to the COVID 19 pandemic

The U.S., along with forces from partner nations, have joined the Arab Republic of Egypt for Exercise Bright Star 2021 at Mohamed Naguib Military Base, Egypt on Sept.  2 – 16. This exercise will build off the success of Bright Star 2018. Approximately 600 U.S. military personnel will participate in the…

U.S. Congressional Delegation Led by Senators Chris Murphy and Jon Ossoff Met President Kais Saied

The delegation urged a return to the democratic path and that any reforms be adopted through an inclusive process

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) led a congressional delegation during a visit to Tunisia on September 4-5. Members of the delegation met with President Kais Saied at Carthage Palace. They also met with representatives of Tunisian civil society organizations and members of parliament. During these exchanges, Senators Murphy…