Security Council

“A joined-up mediation approach” on Sudan is essential to ensure ceasefire and civilian political tracks are harmonized, ASG Pobee tells Council

On 16 November, Assistant-Secretary-General for Africa Martha Ama A. Pobee briefed the Security Council on Sudan, underlining that the conflict had been raging for seven months with no sign of de-escalation. On the contrary, hostilities had intensified in recent weeks. In Darfur, the Rapid Support Forces had made significant military gains, gaining control of the Sudanese Armed Forces bases in Nyala Zalingei and El Geneina between 26 October and 4 November. While both warring parties have declared a readiness to negotiate a ceasefire, their actions on the ground suggest otherwise, she said. Given the changed circumstances since the outbreak of the conflict, the Secretary-General had initiated a strategic review of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) to provide the Council with options on how to adapt the Mission’s mandate to better fit the current context. During the 16 November Council briefing, the Government of Sudan announced its decision to terminate the Mission with immediate effect. On 17 November, the Secretary-General appointed Ramtane Lamamra as his Personal Envoy for Sudan. The Personal Envoy will continue to engage closely with all actors, including the Sudanese authorities and members of the Council, on next steps.  

Security Council votes to renew Panel of Experts and Sanctions on Yemen

On 14 November, in a show of unity, the Council voted unanimously to renew a travel ban and assets freeze imposed on specific individuals and entities in Yemen for one year, and also to extend the mandate of the Panel of Experts tasked with assisting the Council’s Yemen sanctions committee.

Peacebuilding Commission

PBC provides written advice to the Security Council on the Central African Republic

On 11 November, the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) provided written advice to the Security Council on the Central African Republic (CAR). The advice called for continued support towards the implementation of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-CAR) and the disarmament and demobilization process as an essential means to fostering greater security and stability in CAR. The PBC noted the valuable role of the PBF in supporting projects that promote the reintegration of ex-combatants, as well as community resilience, through the engagement of youth and women. The Commission also underscored the enduring relevance of MINUSCA’s deployment and mandate and noted that the upcoming local elections offer a unique opportunity to make further progress in the political and peace processes.

The written advice followed the visit of the Chair of CAR configuration, Omar Hilale, to Bangui from 7 to 11 November. The visit focused on the inter-linkages between the political, security, economic and humanitarian challenges currently facing the country and assessed the state of implementation of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA) as well as gaining an appreciation of CAR’s efforts in fighting impunity, and strengthening its rule of law and justice sector.

PBC Chair visits the African Union Commission 

From 13 to 14 November, the Chair of the UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) Ivan Šimonović visited the African Union (AU) Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to explore opportunities for strengthened cooperation between the PBC and the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). The UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU) facilitated the bilateral meetings between the PBC and the senior AUC leadership, and the consultations with Addis Ababa-based diplomatic partners, civil society organizations and regional economic communities. The PBC delegation also paid a courtesy visit President Sahle-Worke Zewde of Ethiopia, where they discussed the role of the Peacebuilding Commission, and various national, regional, and thematic contexts.

During the visit, the PBC Chair and Chair of the AUPSC, Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, convened the 6th Annual Informal Consultative Meeting of the AUPSC and the PBC. The meeting highlighted the two bodies’ commitment to institutionalizing cooperation and enhancing collaboration in peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction. Participants proposed ideas to strengthen the partnership, including through the two bodies’ joint support for national prevention strategies, joint country visits and joint engagement with key stakeholders in the region.

PBC explores synergies with PBF Advisory Group for global peacebuilding initiatives

On 17 November, the PBC held its first ever meeting with the Advisory Group of the Secretary-General’s Peacebuilding Fund (PBF). The meeting explored synergies between PBF and PBC in the context of ‘A New Agenda for Peace’, the Summit of the Future and the Peacebuilding Architecture Review 2025. Participants, including PBC Vice-Chair Antje Leendertse, PBF Advisory Group Chair Sara Pantuliano and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support Elizabeth Spehar, recognized the increased urgency for peacebuilding in the current global context and the vulnerabilities of populations affected by violent conflict. Member states and the Advisory Group discussed opportunities to enhance synergies, including through regular interaction and strategic advice to the Fund, joint visits to PBF recipient countries.

7th PBF Advisory Group discusses strategic outlook, funding trends, and insights from visit to Mauritania