Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo said that despite sustained efforts to advance peace in Sudan, the parties “remain locked in a zero-sum military logic. Greater international attention, and action, are urgently needed for them to change that calculus.”

Addressing the Security Council, DiCarlo reported, “Thirteen million people have fled their homes, including around 8.7 million who are displaced internally across all 18 states. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented around 1400 civilian deaths from January to June this year, including 1100 people killed by drone strikes.”

She added, “Brutal mass killings and atrocities, abductions of women and girls, and mass rapes have been recurring patterns. Since the start of the conflict, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has been able to document 838 victims of sexual violence, almost all women and girls, but these figures may only be the tip of the iceberg. Drones launched by both sides have repeatedly struck markets, schools, fuel stations, water infrastructure.”

She said, “In recent weeks, fighting in Sudan has been characterized by the heavy use of drones and localized ground combat in areas less affected by rainy season conditions. Hostilities have concentrated in North Kordofan, West Darfur, North Darfur and Blue Nile states.”

She highlighted, “Another worrying aspect of the conflict in Sudan is its increasing complexity. The sophisticated weaponry used continues to point to ongoing external support to both parties. And while external actors sustain the conflict, the proliferation of armed actors within Sudan is contributing to its fragmentation. Beyond the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, numerous armed movements and local militias are pursuing their own territorial, political and security interests. This fragmentation complicates prospects for a cessation of hostilities, undermines the path toward a political settlement, and increases risks for civilians.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN6UXsYnaVU

Source: United Nations (video statements)

As the deadliest Ebola outbreak in DR Congo’s history continued spreading, UN responders renewed their urgent appeal for immediate international support, with existing funding for lifesaving work critically low.

Since the outbreak was declared on 15 May, 5,290 people have been infected 2,516 have died, according to latest health authority data published on Friday.

Of the total confirmed number of cases, 1,152 people have recovered and nearly 840 people remain in isolation or hospitalized.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SlFsUE_JrsI

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Joint Stakeout by Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the European Union. It was read by Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark and President of the Security Council for the month of August, on behalf of others, on Ukraine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Dv0fze403c

Source: United Nations (video statements)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:

– Secretary-General/Press Encounter
– South Sudan/UN Peacekeepers
– South Sudan/Humanitarian
– Sudan/Security Council
– Security Council/Afternoon
– Sudan/Humanitarian
– Myanmar
– Occupied Palestinian Territory
– Gaza/UNICEF Report
– Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

SECRETARY-GENERAL/PRESS ENCOUNTER

This morning, speaking to the press, the Secretary-General noted that conflicts in different regions are converging in their impact on the world’s most vulnerable people. Mentioning ongoing attacks and the disruption of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, as well as the conflict following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Secretary-General pointed out that these crises are choking arteries of global trade and squeezing global food systems especially hard.

The Secretary-General noted that in March, he established a Task Force to develop and propose a practical mechanism including to address humanitarian needs triggered by the Strait of Hormuz crisis. He underscored that the mechanism would not authorize passage through the Strait or alter the rights and obligations of Member States in terms of international law.

He highlighted that sovereign decisions remain entirely with participating Member States and that we would serve as a neutral facilitator. What is needed now, he said, is the cooperation and political will of the parties.

The Secretary-General urged all concerned to engage seriously and constructively, adding that this mechanism is not a substitute for a fully restoring navigational rights and freedom of navigation, or for the political solutions needed to end these conflicts, but should be a practical first step.

SOUTH SUDAN/UN PEACEKEEPERS

Today, a UN patrol in South Sudan was ambushed in Jonglei state. Two UN peacekeepers were killed, and seven other people were injured. Among the injured are three UN peacekeepers, two police officers from South Sudan and two civilian staff. The two peacekeepers who were killed were Ethiopian.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack. In no uncertain terms, he extends his condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the people and government of Ethiopia. The Secretary-General wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured.

This brings to nine the number of peacekeepers killed in militia’s acts since January 1st of this year.

The UN Mission deployed a Quick Reaction Force in the area to secure and to help support the emergency response.

The UN reiterates that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. The Secretary-General Special Representative in South Sudan and Head of the UN Peacekeeping Mission, Anita Kiki Gbeho, also called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice.

Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-08-24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF2zO6NdSGs