This is the news in brief from the United Nations.
UN will support DR Congo in addressing on-going threats to peace and security
Although lasting peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is within reach, developments in the east where dozens of armed groups remain active, continue to be a major cause for concern said the UN Special Representative and head of the peacekeeping mission in the country, MONUSCO, on Monday.
Leila Zerrougui was briefing the Security Council, where she said the recent Presidential election process in the country marked a “decisive step towards the consolidation of rule of law and democracy”.
She also highlighted the situation in North and South Kivu, where she said “structural violence was profoundly entrenched”.
She encouraged the Council to continue to support the consolidation of what has been achieved in the country in recent months and to support the DRC in addressing the threats to peace and security which remain.
Syrians continue to suffer from one of the worst conflicts of our time: Guterres
As Syria’s civil war enters its ninth year, “Syrians continue to suffer from one of the worst conflicts of our time,” said UN chief António Guterres in a statement appealing for international action.
The Secretary-General first urged all sides to maintain their commitments and uphold the ceasefire arrangements in Idlib.
Second, he said that any side contemplating or carrying out military action needed to abide by international humanitarian law and fully respect the human rights of everyone.
Thirdly, Mr. Guterres emphasised that sustained humanitarian access remains critical, with 11.7 million people in need of protection and assistance, adding that “strengthened international support is urgently required” if the parties to the conflict are to find a “political solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of all Syrians.”
Terrorist attack in Mali condemned by UN representative in the country
And finally, onto Mali where unidentified assailants attacked a base for Government troops in Dioura, near Mopti, in the center of the country, on Sunday.
According to the UN Mission in the country, MINUSMA, which organized the medical evacuation of injured soldiers, “the assailants caused numerous casualties and burned down the camp before fleeing”.
The Secretary General’s Special Representative, Mahammat Saleh Annadif, “condemned the terrorist attack in the strongest terms and offered his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Mali, “and to the families and relatives of the soldiers who lost their lives”.
He also reiterated the UN Mission’s support to the Malian Government and to the Malian people in their quest for peace and stability.
Matt Wells, United Nations.
