Africa

Liberia: Security Council meets on Annan's call for multi-national force

30 June 2003
The United Nations Security Council held closed-door consultations today to discuss Secretary-General Kofi Annan's call for the deployment of a multi-national force in Liberia to prevent the volatile situation in the war-torn West African country from deteriorating into a massive humanitarian catastrophe.

Adjusting UN activities in Central African Republic could help smooth transition - Annan

30 June 2003
In the Central African Republic (CAR) - where chronic instability has been aggravated by a security situation "not fully under control" either before or after the latest coup - a temporary adjustment of United Nations programmes and agencies in the country could provide support for a smooth transition, Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report out today.

Ethiopian and Eritrea peace process still at a critical stage - Annan

30 June 2003
The Ethiopian-Eritrean peace process continues to be at a critical stage and lasting peace cannot be based on temporary arrangements, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan says in a new report released today.

Congolese parties agree on security and military structure

30 June 2003
The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the country's two main opposition factions have signed an agreement on military and security arrangements, a major step towards the formation of a two-year national transitional government, according to the United Nations mission in the country.
Olara Otunnu

UN envoy calls on warring West African parties to cease activities affecting children

30 June 2003
With many children gravely impacted by the conflicts in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Liberia over the last several weeks, a United Nations envoy today called on the parties involved to cease activities affecting children and warned that they risk being held accountable.

Security Council delegation in West Africa meets Nigerian president

30 June 2003
A United Nations Security Council delegation hoping to deepen the partnership between the international community and the countries of West Africa, has met with top officials and regional players in Nigeria to discuss the problems facing Guinea-Bissau, Côte' d'Ivoire and Liberia.
Sierra Leonean & other refugees caught in strife-torn Monrovia

UN agency prepares to evacuate Sierra Leonean refugees in Liberia

30 June 2003
The United Nations refugee agency has stepped up preparations to evacuate Sierra Leonean and other refugees trapped in the Liberian capital, Monrovia, as a tenuous ceasefire in the battle-weary city enters its fourth day.

Warning of looming catastrophe, Annan urges Security Council to authorize new force in Liberia

28 June 2003
Warning that the volatile situation in Liberia could deteriorate into a massive humanitarian catastrophe, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged the Security Council to mandate the deployment of a multinational force to the west African nation.

South African maize helps UN provide relief for Mozambique's drought victims

28 June 2003
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) said today it can continue to provide aid to thousands of Mozambican drought victims, thanks to the first shipment of 16,000 tons of maize from South Africa.
Ruud Lubbers

'Gravely concerned,' UN refugee chief urges peace force to quell violence in Liberia

27 June 2003
Expressing "grave concern" over the situation in Liberia, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Ruud Lubbers, again today called for an immediate end to hostilities and for deployment of an international peacekeeping force to fill the current security vacuum in the war-ravaged nation.