News by region: Africa

On Africa Day, UN chief says continent's future full of opportunity and hope

25 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today declared that while Africans forge ahead with “a new narrative” for their continent, the United Nations will support them as they faced any challenges that remain on the path towards a prosperous future.

Deploring attacks in Niger, Security Council says perpetrators must be brought to justice

24 May – The Security Council today condemned “in the strongest terms” the two terrorist attacks that occurred on Thursday in Niger, and underlined the need to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Continuing push for Great Lakes peace, UN chief in Uganda after visit to Rwanda

24 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today thanked the Government of Uganda for its contribution to peace and security in Africa, travelling alongside World Bank President Jim Yong Kim on a first-of-its-kind visit to support a recent peace accord and promote economic development in the Great Lakes region.

Ban strongly condemns two suicide bombings in north-west Niger

23 May – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned the two suicide bombings which took place today in north-west Niger, and conveyed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

UN official highlights positive trends in Africa to protect indigenous people’s rights

23 May – A United Nations official today stressed that Africa has taken positive steps to protect the rights of indigenous people, adding that the continent must continue making progress and avoid repeating mistakes made by other regions.

DR Congo: In Goma, Secretary-General hails regional accord as ‘best chance for peace in years’

23 May – Arriving today in restive eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all the leaders of Africa’s Great Lakes region to throw their support behind a recently-signed peace accord which aims to ensure security, as well as development, for the long-troubled country.

Sudan: UN humanitarian chief urges stronger bridges between humanitarian, development work

23 May – Civilians in Sudan are paying the biggest price in the war between the Government and rebels, the United Nations humanitarian chief reiterated today as she wrapped up a visit to the country urging more sustainable support for displaced populations, many of whom have been living in camps for a decade.

UN expanding mine action work in Mali

22 May – The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) today announced plans to expand its humanitarian activities in Mali, bolster preparations for full deployment of an African-led support mission and help displaced persons return safely to their homes following months of strife in the West African country.

International community must help Darfur become self-sufficient – UN official

22 May – The United Nations humanitarian chief today stressed the international community must do more to ensure the people of Sudan's Darfur region can better provide for themselves.

Security Council extends UN political mission in Guinea-Bissau

22 May – The United Nations Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations political mission in Guinea-Bissau to assist in finding solutions to the political and economic crisis being exacerbated by additional challenges posed by transnational crime, in particular drug trafficking and money laundering.