ASG Kimani addresses General Assembly's Special Political and Decolonization Committee (Fourth Committee)
Today, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa Martin Kimani presented the Secretary-General’s report on overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions, highlighting their role in preventing conflict, sustaining dialogue and advancing political solutions amid growing geopolitical tensions and violence. Addressing Member States, he outlined the work of special political missions in Sudan, Myanmar, Libya, Haiti and Central Africa. Kimani emphasized the need for more proactive diplomacy, stronger international cooperation and systematic use of the Secretary-General’s good offices, drawing on recommendations from the recent review of UN peace operations. Read his full remarks here.
Lebanon
Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon [and Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on the Middle East conflict and its consequences] Jean Arnault met today with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri to discuss recent developments in Lebanon and ways to strengthen the country’s security and stability. The meeting formed part of the United Nations’ continued engagement with Lebanese authorities on developments affecting the country’s peace and security.
https://x.com/UNSCOL/status/2120544242950881349
West Africa and the Sahel
Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel Barrie Freeman began an official visit to The Gambia on 11 November to support national preparations for the presidential elections scheduled for 5 December. Working in coordination with regional partners, her engagements will focus on supporting national efforts to ensure a peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral process. The visit underscores the United Nations’ continued engagement with national and regional stakeholders in support of democratic processes and political stability in The Gambia.
https://x.com/UN_UNOWAS/status/2120538138669928924
Haiti
The United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) reported that at least 1,167 people were killed and 459 injured between July and September 2026 amid continued violence and human rights abuses in Port-au-Prince and other parts of the country. According to BINUH, gang members were responsible for more than 45 per cent of those killed or injured. The Mission also documented a sharp increase in kidnappings, widespread sexual violence and the continued recruitment and exploitation of children. BINUH called for stronger civilian protection, accountability for abuses and sustained international support, stressing that efforts to combat gangs must respect international human rights law.
Great Lakes region
On 11 November, the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, with support from DPPA and partners, convened an AI-enabled Digital Dialogue on Inclusive Peacebuilding for eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the wider Great Lakes region. Developed by DPPA, the live, anonymous dialogue brought together more than 200 participants, including women, young people, civil society representatives, faith leaders, refugees and conflict-affected communities. Participants shared perspectives on reconciliation, humanitarian needs, human rights, inclusion, natural resources and regional cooperation. The outcomes are expected to inform more inclusive, gender-responsive and community-informed approaches to mediation, peacebuilding and peace agreement implementation.
https://x.com/un_greatlakes/status/2120541361380163714
Afghanistan
From 2 to 4 November, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Rabab Fatima visited Bamyan, in the country’s central highlands, where she met with local communities to hear firsthand about the opportunities and challenges facing people in the region. The visit provided an opportunity to deepen the Mission’s understanding of local perspectives, needs and priorities and inform its continued engagement with communities in Afghanistan.
https://x.com/UNAMAnews/status/2120517463024504958
