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United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) takes note of High Council of State (HCS) Presidency elections, invites constructive engagement in the political process

Source: APO


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The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) followed the live broadcast of the High Council of State (HCS) session on Sunday, 27 July,  during which 95 members elected a new Presidency. The Mission noted that voting proceeded under normal conditions and with transparency.

UNSMIL is of the view that yesterday’s two-thirds attendance reflects a broad consensus among members to overcome the division that has hindered its ability to fulfill its responsibilities over the last year. The Mission echoes the calls to expand internal consensus by engaging those members who did not attend yesterday’s session.

The Mission congratulates the new Presidency and looks forward to constructive engagement with all Council members to break the stalemate, advance the political process, and end the protracted transitional phases.

It further expects the Council to responsibly carry out its functions, as outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement, consistent with its independent political role and Libyans’ aspirations to end institutional division, restore legitimacy through elections and contribute to necessary reforms.

The Mission encourages the HCS membership to fulfill their patriotic duties and rise to the expectations of the Libyan people by supporting a Libyan led and Libyan owned political process facilitated by UNSMIL.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

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République Démocratique du Congo (RDC) : après un massacre en Ituri, la Mission de paix de l’ONU intensifie ses patrouilles

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Au moins 43 civils ont été tués, dont des femmes et des enfants, lors de cette attaque par le groupe armé ADF à Komanda dans la nuit du 26 au 27 juillet.

Des patrouilles supplémentaires sont désormais déployées autour de la localité qui se trouve à environ 60 kilomètres de la capitale provinciale de l’Ituri, Bunia.

Dans un communiqué publié depuis Kinshasa, la MONUSCO a fermement condamné ces actes de violence « inqualifiables », qui « constituent de graves violations du droit international humanitaire et atteintes aux droits de l’homme ». 

En appui aux autorités locales, la Mission a immédiatement organisé des opérations d’urgence : prise en charge des blessés, inhumation des victimes, et augmentation des patrouilles de sécurité.

« Nous avons immédiatement renforcé notre présence dans la zone afin de protéger les civils », indique la Mission.

Une attaque d’une extrême brutalité

Selon les autorités locales, l’attaque a été menée par des éléments des Forces démocratiques alliées (ADF), un groupe armé d’origine ougandaise affilié à l’État islamique.

Le bilan provisoire fait état d’au moins 43 morts, dont 19 femmes, 15 hommes et neuf enfants. La majorité des victimes auraient été tuées à l’arme blanche dans un lieu de culte. Plusieurs personnes ont été enlevées et des habitations ainsi que des commerces ont été incendiés.

Cette flambée de violence survient dans un contexte déjà marqué par une crise humanitaire aiguë en Ituri, signale la MONUSCO, qui exprime sa « profonde indignation ».

« Ces attaques ciblées contre des civils sans défense, notamment dans des lieux de culte, sont non seulement révoltantes mais aussi contraires à toutes les normes en matière de droit de l’homme et de droit international humanitaire », a déclaré la Représentante spéciale adjointe du Secrétaire général de l’ONU, chargée de la Protection et des opérations, et Cheffe par intérim de la MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre.

Appels à la justice et protection des civils

La Mission appelle les autorités congolaises à diligenter une enquête pour identifier les responsables de cette tuerie et les traduire en justice. Elle réitère également l’appel du Secrétaire général des Nations Unies aux groupes armés étrangers « pour qu’ils déposent les armes sans condition et regagnent leurs pays d’origine ».

Parallèlement aux mesures d’urgence prises sur le terrain, la MONUSCO affirme son engagement à continuer d’agir aux côtés des autorités congolaises et des communautés locales.

« La MONUSCO continuera de travailler sans relâche pour protéger les populations civiles conformément à son mandat », a dit Mme van de Perre.

La MONUSCO reste pleinement engagée aux côtés des autorités congolaises et des communautés locales afin de prévenir de futures attaques, protéger les civils, et contribuer à la réduction des tensions, et à la stabilisation des zones affectées par les violences armées.

Distribué par APO Group pour UN News.

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Commission probing Mkhwanazi allegations moving "full steam ahead"

Source: Government of South Africa

The work of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – dubbed the Madlanga Commission – has begun “in earnest”.

This according to Commission Chairperson, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who briefed the media on Monday afternoon.

The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The Provincial Commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and now suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.

“We can assure South Africans that the work of the commission has commenced in earnest. To be specific, our first consultation with a witness is imminent.

“That consultation will help inform what further information the commission must follow up on,” he said.

He added that the commission is mindful that the public is “eager to see the first witness in the witness stand”.

“We too are eager to see that happen and are acting with the necessary expedition to see it happen.

“That said, the fact that Lieutenant General… Mkhwanazi made the allegations does not make us ready to start hearing evidence immediately. There must be consultation and assessment of the information we gather and a follow up for buttressing the information we’ve gathered, should that be necessary,” Madlanga said.

This, he added, could include further consultations.

“We assure South Africans that we are treating the matter with the urgency that it deserves and that the commission hearings will commence as soon as the necessary initial steps to bring us to that stage have been finalised.

“We anticipate that that will be during August 2025,” he said.

WATCH | CJS Commission of Inquiry media briefing

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Madlanga said the entities and persons under scrutiny are the SA Police Service, metro police in Gauteng, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, Correctional Services, any other institution in the criminal justice system and any member of the executive responsible for the criminal justice system.

“These entities and persons are to be investigated in relation to infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.

“By the end of the first three-month period, we want to be in a position to submit an interim report, which, if the evidence will have shown as much, will make recommendations regarding concrete action that needs to be taken,” he said.

Securing premises

The process to secure a building for the commission, is underway as well as other infrastructure requirements.

“The public will be advised of the premises and online facilities where they can lodge information as soon as this question of procurement has been finalised. What we can say at this stage is that the commission hearings will be in Gauteng. We are doing our best to ensure that the procurement side is resolved with expedition.

“The lack of infrastructure does not affect the progress of the work of the commission. We are proceeding with the commission’s preparatory work full steam ahead,” Madlanga said.

Furthermore, appointments of professionals, who will assist the commission, have been made.

Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.

Other team members include:

  • Commission Secretary: Dr Nolitha Vukuza.
  • Chief Evidence Leader: Advocate Terry Motau SC.
  • Chief Investigator: Dr Peter Goss.
  • Spokesperson: Jeremy Michaels.

Evidence Leaders

  • Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC.
  • Advocate Mahlape Sello SC.
  • Advocate Adila Hassim SC.
  • Advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube.
  • Advocate Ofentse Motlhasedi.
  • Advocate Thabang Pooe.

“Regarding the timeline, we will conduct our work with the timeline in mind. Should the need arise for an extension, that is something we will address at the right time,” he said.

The proceedings are expected to be streamed live and members of the public will be permitted to attend the proceedings in person. – SAnews.gov.za

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Sudan: United Nation (UN) sounds the alarm as health and food crises worsen across the country

Source: APO


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As conflict between rival militaries rages on, millions of people keep on being displaced.

While the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance to newly displaced families in North Darfur, “nearly 60 per cent of displaced families still lack adequate shelter support,” said Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, at a daily press briefing on Monday.

In Abu Shouk camp in El Fasher, the North Darfur capital, displaced families are facing acute shortages of food and medicine, with local sources reporting four hunger-related deaths last week, as food insecurity continues to worsen across the entire country.

In North Darfur state notably, low cereal supply, poor harvests and a prolonged food deficit have severely affected food availability.

Health crisis

Meanwhile, cholera cases continue to rise in Tawila. More than 1,500 suspected and confirmed serious infections have been reported since June, with over 500 people currently receiving treatment.

While local authorities have introduced emergency measures, including market closures and a ban on public gatherings, humanitarian organizations urgently require $120 million to scale up life-saving support in Tawila over the next three months.

“This funding is essential to contain the outbreak and sustain critical services,” according to OCHA.

Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, the main entry point for humanitarian personnel and supplies, a sharp increase in heatstroke cases linked to extreme temperature and prolonged power outages is raising concerns, as one death was recorded over the past two days.

Food crisis

In El Fasher, food prices continue to rise to alarming levels.  The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has  already identified famine conditions in multiple areas of North Darfur and the eastern Nuba Mountains, with more locations at risk.

In May, the average cost of the local food basket in El Fasher was more than six times the national average, as the city recorded the highest prices for nearly all essential items among assessed localities.

An IPC alert earlier this month noted that Sudan’s food security and nutrition situation is set to further deteriorate over the lean season from July to October, notably in areas of active conflict with limited access and experiencing high levels of displacement. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.

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President Museveni Bids Farewell To Outgoing World Bank Country Manager, Mukami Kariuki

Source: APO


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President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today bid farewell to Ms. R. Mukami Kariuki, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Uganda at State House, Entebbe.

Ms. Kariuki, who assumed her role on August 1, 2021, has led the World Bank’s engagement with the Government of Uganda and overseeing the implementation of key development programs across the country.

In a cordial exchange, President Museveni thanked Ms. Kariuki for her dedicated service and extended his best wishes as she concluded her assignment.

“Thank you so much. I wish you good luck,” the President said.

Ms. Kariuki expressed her gratitude to the President and the Ugandan government for the collaboration extended to her throughout her tenure.

“Your Excellency, I appreciate the support and partnership we have had. It has been a pleasure working with Uganda,” she said.

The meeting was also attended by Mr. Qimiao Fan, the World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, who is based in Nairobi.

Mr. Fan noted the Bank’s keen interest in supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation, job creation for the youth, and renewable energy development.

“Uganda has great potential. You have fertile soils, abundant sunshine for renewable energy, and a rapidly growing young population that needs jobs,” Mr. Fan said.

He emphasized the need to increase agricultural productivity through strategic investments in irrigation, improved transport networks, and access to better seeds and fertilizers.

“Despite your fertile soils, Uganda’s agricultural productivity remains relatively low. Investing in irrigation and logistics can help farmers access markets more effectively,” he added.

President Museveni responded by highlighting Uganda’s achievements in agricultural research, particularly in seed development and irrigation.

“We already have improved seeds for crops like coffee, bananas, maize, cassava, and potatoes. Our research centers have done their job. The challenge now is funding the uptake and supporting farmers to apply the technologies,” the President said.

He also highlighted the success of Prof. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually far exceeding the district’s average of 5 tonnes.

President Museveni further underscored the need to shift communities out of wetlands and into sustainable fish farming on the periphery, which would allow the use of swamp water for irrigation while restoring the wetland ecosystem.

“We want to move people from wetlands and support them to do fish farming on the edge. That way, we preserve the wetlands and still use the water for irrigation,” he explained.

He also reflected on the cultural importance of agriculture to Uganda, noting that many of the country’s staple crops such as millet, bananas, and cassava are indigenous and form part of Uganda’s agricultural heritage.

“Agriculture is part of our ancient heritage. These crops are not foreign; they are ours,” the President said.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s readiness to engage further and collaborate on these areas of interest.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.

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Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs Meets Under-Secretary of State at UK Foreign Office

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 28, 2025

HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi met with HE Under-Secretary of State for the Middle East and North Africa at the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Hamish Falconer, on the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in New York.

During the meeting, they reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries, the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, ways to advance international efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue, and the implementation of the two-state solution. They also discussed key regional and international developments.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 28

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Monday with HE Deputy Prime Minister of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon Dr. Tarek Mitri, on the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, the State of Qatar’s efforts in supporting Lebanon, developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as ways to advance international efforts to resolve the Palestinian issue by peaceful means and implement the two-state solution.

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets French Foreign Minister

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 28

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Monday with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the French Republic Jean-Noel Barrot, on the sidelines of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in New York.

During the meeting, they discussed cooperation relations between the two countries, developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as ways to advance international efforts to resolve the Palestinian cause through peaceful means and the implementation of the two-state solution.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated, during the meeting, the State of Qatar’s firm position in support of the Palestinian issue until the brotherly Palestinian people regain all their legitimate rights.

His Excellency praised the efforts of the French Republic in organizing the conference in partnership with the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and reiterated the State of Qatar’s welcome of the French President’s announcement of his country’s intention to recognize the State of Palestine. 

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Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Participates in High-Level International Conference for Peaceful Settlement of Question of Palestine and Implementation of Two-State Solution

Source: Government of Qatar

New York, July 28

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani participated on Monday in the plenary session of the High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, held in the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York.

In Qatar’s statement to the plenary session, His Excellency said that this conference is being held at a critical moment for the region amid a horrific war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip for two years and a worsening humanitarian tragedy affecting more than two million people, most of whom are women and children.

In one of the most brutal and heartbreaking moments of this tragedy, we witnessed scenes that are a disgrace to all of humanity – hungry civilians, who are exhausted by the blockade, and who get killed while standing in line waiting for a loaf of bread, a bag of flour, or a meal to feed their children, His Excellency noted.

He wondered: What future can be built on the bodies of the starving? And what peace can emerge in the midst of such hunger, humiliation, and killing?

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that, in the face of this catastrophic situation, the State of Qatar has not hesitated to exert all its diplomatic efforts to stop the bloodshed of innocents, alleviate their suffering, and release prisoners and detainees.

He said that the State of Qatar, based on its firm position, condemns all forms of targeting civilians. It categorically rejects double standards. A human being is a human being, and a child is a child. None of us has the right to discriminate between innocents and their right to life on political or other grounds. The situation has reached the point of normalizing the use of starvation and targeting hospitals as a method of war, setting precedents that we cannot accept, otherwise it will become a normal practice in every conflict from now on.

His Excellency reiterated the State of Qatar’s categorical rejection of the use of food as a tool of pressure or a weapon in conflicts, and its condemnation in the strongest terms of the blockade and forced displacement policies practiced against innocent civilians, as well as the repeated targeting of hospitals, displacement centers, and vital facilities, in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law.

His Excellency noted that the mediation efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar, in partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, have yielded tangible results, represented by the entry of large quantities of aid and the release of hundreds of prisoners and detainees on both sides.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that, despite reoccurring obstacles and attempts to undermine the humanitarian track, efforts are ongoing to reach an immediate ceasefire, setting the stage to ending the crisis and launching recovery and reconstruction efforts. He stressed that this requires all parties to act responsibly and support mediation efforts.

His Excellency noted that the war against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip has not only caused unprecedented suffering for innocent civilians but has also undermined the credibility of international law and the universal values upon which the international community institutions were founded after World War II.

He added that it has also become clear that policies of force have failed and will continue to fail in eliminating the Palestinian cause.

All they have achieved is to worsen the situation with more tragedy, bitterness, a sense of injustice, and horrific scenes of death and destruction that will remain etched in the memory of people around the world, His Excellency continued.

The horrors of this war and its political failure prove that there is no alternative to a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian cause, he said, adding that the key lies in acknowledging the historical injustice suffered by the Palestinian people and applying long-overdue justice, delayed for nearly eighty years.

The State of Qatar, based on its unwavering support for peace, affirms its full support for the objectives of this conference and its keenness to play an active role in ensuring its success and enhancing the chances of a peaceful solution in the Middle East, His Excellency said, noting that the State of Qatar co-chaired the conference’s third working group, which is concerned with the topic of “Narratives of Peace.”

His Excellency explained that this team addressed important topics and concluded with priority principles and proposals that contribute to the success of the conference’s overall objective. In order to create a conducive environment for achieving sustainable peace, there is a need to promote positive narratives that support peace between the two sides, based on rejecting violence, renouncing inflammatory rhetoric, and confronting attempts to dehumanize the other side, he added.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s steadfast position in support of a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian cause, in accordance with international law, UN resolutions, and the two-state solution, being the only viable option to end the conflict and achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

He added that from this standpoint, Qatar calls for a clear and unified international stance that opposes all practices that obstruct negotiations and the chances of achieving a just and lasting peace. In this context, His Excellency welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine within the borders of June 4, 1967, encompassing the West Bank and Gaza Strip by several countries, describing such recognition as a crucial step toward achieving both regional and international peace and stability.

His Excellency also reiterated the State of Qatar’s welcome of the French Republic’s commitment to recognize the State of Palestine this coming September.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs considered that the convening of this conference represents a collective international will to move from words to actions, and to genuinely contribute to advancing the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian Cause in all its dimensions.

His Excellency pointed out that the international community bears a key responsibility in creating the right conditions for a durable and just resolution, including restoring the relevance of international legitimacy following this devastating war, and providing the necessary political, economic, and humanitarian support.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed the State of Qatar’s hope that this conference will mark a turning point, leading to tangible commitments that go beyond declarations and stances, and paving the way for concrete steps toward the implementation of the two-state solution, which would guarantee a just, comprehensive, and lasting resolution to the conflict as well as contributing to peace, security, and stability throughout the region.

At the beginning of his statement, His Excellency expressed sincere appreciation to HE President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron and HRH Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their initiative in organizing this historic conference under the auspices of the United Nations, addressing one of the oldest unresolved peace and security issues and one of the last vestiges of colonial injustice still on the international agenda.

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République démocratique du Congo «Parler pour protéger» : un programme radio pour prévenir l’exploitation et les abus sexuels

Source: Africa Press Organisation – French


Depuis le 11 juillet 2025, la Section Conduite et Discipline (CDT) de la MONUSCO a lancé un programme radiophonique intitulé « Parler pour protéger », en partenariat avec Radio Okapi, la radio de l’ONU en RDC. Ce programme qui sera diffusé deux fois par mois est élaboré pour sensibiliser la population congolaise à la prévention, à la compréhension et à la lutte contre l’exploitations et les abus sexuels, impliquant le personnel des Nations Unies ou affiliés en République Démocratique du Congo.

Lors du lancement du programme, Pascale Gabriella Serra-Nga Gnii Voueto, chargée de communication de la Section Conduite et Discipline de la MONUSCO, a souligné l’importance de cette initiative :

«Cette émission vise à sensibiliser les populations aux normes de conduite du personnel de la Mission, à promouvoir l’intégrité, le respect et la protection des communautés contre toute forme d’abus. Elle encourage le signalement, la responsabilisation collective et met en lumière les efforts conjoints de tous les acteurs impliqués dans la prévention des abus.»

Un message en phase avec les attentes des communautés et les engagements des partenaires de la MONUSCO, notamment ceux de la société civile.

Appel à une collaboration renforcée

Julienne Lusenge, présidente du Conseil d’administration de l’ONG Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement (SOFEPADI) et lauréate du Prix des Nations Unies pour la cause des droits de l’homme 2023, a salué cette initiative. Elle appelle à renforcer la collaboration entre la société civile et la MONUSCO au sujet de la prévention et de la lutte contre l’exploitations et les abus sexuels :

« Depuis la présence de la MONUSCO, nous œuvrons pour la promotion des droits, la protection des civils, ainsi que pour la prévention de l’exploitation et des abus sexuels. Cette collaboration est précieuse et doit être maintenue. Nous encourageons les Nations Unies à poursuivre leurs efforts, tant en matière de prévention que dans l’accompagnement concret des victimes. »

Une émission pédagogique

Chaque numéro de « Parler pour protéger » aborde un thème spécifique lié à la lutte contre l’exploitation et les abus sexuels. A travers des témoignages, des interviews d’experts et des explications accessibles, l’émission vise à informer, sensibiliser et encourager des changements de comportements, tant individuels que collectifs. 

« Parler pour protéger » est diffusée chaque deuxième et dernier vendredi du mois à 7h45 (heure de Kinshasa) sur Radio Okapi. Chaque numéro sera rediffusé le dimanche suivant la première diffusion à 21h00.

Cette émission s’inscrit dans une dynamique de sensibilisation et de mobilisation collective, rappelant que prévenir l’exploitation et les abus sexuels est une responsabilité partagée et que l’information constitue la première barrière contre l’impunité.

Elle témoigne de l’engagement constant de la MONUSCO à prévenir et combattre l’exploitation et les abus sexuels impliquant le personnel des Nations Unies ou affiliés en RDC.

Distribué par APO Group pour Mission de l’Organisation des Nations unies en République démocratique du Congo (MONUSCO).