He said reckless actions by powerful actors are triggering dangerous consequences, and stressed that global challenges cannot be solved by one country imposing its will.

“Global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots,” he said. “Nor will they be solved by two powers carving the world into rival spheres of influence.”

Guterres argued that the world is shifting toward multipolarity, but warned that this transition must be “networked, inclusive by design,” and grounded in partnerships rather than competition.

“For multipolarity to generate equilibrium, prosperity and peace, we need strong multilateral institutions where legitimacy is rooted in shared responsibility and shared values,” he said.

Concerns over private tech power

The UN chief also highlighted the growing influence of private technology companies, warning that unregulated platforms and artificial intelligence systems are increasingly shaping elections, markets and even conflicts.

“When technologies that shape behaviour, elections, markets, and even conflicts operate without guardrails,” he said, “the reaction is not innovation, it is instability.” He called for global governance frameworks to ensure AI and emerging technologies are used responsibly.

Final-year priorities

In what is expected to be his final year leading the United Nations, Guterres outlined key priorities focused on peace, development and institutional reform.

He said the UN is pushing for “just and sustainable peace rooted in international law,” including efforts that address the root causes of conflict rather than temporary ceasefires.

Guterres also highlighted the need to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, reform the Security Council, and strengthen the global financial system to better support vulnerable countries.

On climate change, he called for greater equity in helping nations facing repeated climate catastrophes.

Guterres closed by urging governments to act with responsibility in an increasingly troubled international environment .

The Board of Peace, announced by Trump as part of his renewed foreign policy agenda, is framed as an alternative diplomatic mechanism aimed at resolving major international conflicts, including the war in Gaza and broader Middle East tensions.

According to reporting by Al Jazeera, participation in the board is by invitation, with countries free to accept or reject based on their political alignment and strategic interests.

Who has joined

The map shows a mixed response across regions. Several countries in the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Latin America have accepted invitations , viewing the board as a potential channel for influence or de-escalation:

Morocco, Argentina, Hungary and Belarus have also agreed to join, raising the number of countries that have confirmed participation to at least 24.

Countries that have rejected

In contrast, several prominent European and North American allies have explicitly declined the invitation, underlining scepticism about the initiative’s structure and neutrality. Countries that have rejected participation include:

In the same way, several other countries, including the UK, Italy, Japan, China and Russia, have been invited but have yet to take a stand on participation.

The Board of Peace gained prominence after Trump publicly linked it to efforts to end the war in Gaza, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has strongly condemned the recent wave of violence in Al-Fashar, urging both sides to stop fighting and open corridors for humanitarian aid.

But on the ground, the situation is heartbreaking. The UN says civilians are enduring unimaginable suffering, from mass killings and sexual violence to starvation and forced disappearances under the Rapid Support Forces’ siege.

Tensions are also rising internationally. At an emergency UN Security Council meeting in New York , Sudan accused the United Arab Emirates of secretly funding and arming the RSF. The UAE rejected the claim, instead blaming Sudan’s army for stalling peace efforts.

Both the AU and UN now face growing frustration over slow progress. While AU mediators work to revive peace talks, the UN continues to push for access to deliver aid and hold perpetrators accountable.

For millions of Sudanese people trapped in this nightmare, hope feels distant. Observers warn that the coming days could reveal whether the AU and UN can still make a difference, or if they’ll once again stand by as another humanitarian disaster unfolds.

The Malaysian government has issued a strong call for the immediate release of volunteers detained while delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. These volunteers, who were part of a flotilla mission carrying essential supplies such as food, medical equipment, and shelter materials, were intercepted in international waters. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim condemned the detentions, describing them as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles. Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry is engaging with international partners and human rights organisations to secure the volunteers’ release and ensure their safe return home. The incident has stirred public outrage, with Malaysians expressing solidarity through nationwide vigils and social media campaigns. The government reiterated its commitment to defending humanitarian missions and supporting Palestinian civilians enduring severe hardship under continued conflict.

Anwar to meet NGO leaders to discuss humanitarian aid for Gaza via Egypt

In an ongoing effort to coordinate relief for Gaza, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to meet with non-governmental organisation (NGO) leaders to discuss the logistics of channelling humanitarian aid through Egypt. The meeting aims to create a unified Malaysian relief framework that ensures aid delivery to affected civilians despite border restrictions. The discussion will include NGOs specialising in medical assistance, food distribution, and refugee support. Anwar emphasised that Malaysia’s humanitarian stance transcends political or religious lines, reflecting the nation’s moral obligation to assist the oppressed. He also called for greater collaboration among regional governments to pressure for safe humanitarian corridors into Gaza. The government’s proactive approach underscores Malaysia’s growing role as a humanitarian advocate in international crisesNews Briefs 9.10.

Indonesia appoints Iman Hascarya Kusumo as ambassador to Malaysia

Indonesia has officially appointed Iman Hascarya Kusumo as its new Ambassador to Malaysia, a move widely viewed as an opportunity to strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighbouring nations. The appointment comes at a pivotal time as both countries seek to deepen cooperation on issues including migrant labour protection, trade, and education. Kusumo, known for his diplomatic experience and focus on ASEAN collaboration, is expected to prioritise enhancing mutual understanding and addressing long-standing concerns regarding worker welfare. Malaysian officials have welcomed his appointment, expressing optimism that it will usher in a new era of balanced and transparent diplomacy. Both governments reaffirmed their shared commitment to fostering peace, regional integration, and economic resilience in Southeast Asia.

Need for flexible foreign policy that remains true to core values, says Tok Mat

Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan (Tok Mat) has emphasised the importance of a flexible yet principled foreign policy in navigating Malaysia’s complex geopolitical landscape. He stated that while Malaysia must adapt to shifting global dynamics, it should never compromise on its core values of peace, justice, and mutual respect. Tok Mat highlighted that non-alignment remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s diplomatic strategy, allowing the nation to engage constructively with both Western and Eastern blocs. He also urged policymakers to strengthen regional diplomacy through ASEAN and to assert Malaysia’s voice on pressing international issues such as humanitarian crises, environmental sustainability, and fair trade. His remarks reflect a strategic balance between pragmatism and moral conviction in Malaysia’s approach to global affairs.

Malaysia ready to support any UN peacekeeping effort in Palestine

During a parliamentary session, members of the Dewan Rakyat were informed that Malaysia stands ready to support any United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission in Palestine should one be established. The government expressed its readiness to contribute personnel, logistics, and medical support to ensure peace and stability in the region. Lawmakers across party lines voiced strong backing for the initiative, highlighting Malaysia’s historical solidarity with the Palestinian cause. Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Malaysia’s participation would align with its long-standing policy of advocating for oppressed peoples and upholding international law. The announcement has strengthened Malaysia’s image as a defender of global peace and humanitarian principles, while also reflecting growing domestic demand for more active involvement in international peacekeeping

What’s at stake?

On September 25, 2025, the AU, UN, Somali government, and UK co-hosted a financing event at the UN General Assembly in New York. Italy, Japan, South Korea, and Spain contributed funds, while the EU is expected to support the $20 million that the AU and £16.5 million that the UK committed.  However, authorities acknowledged that there is still a £22 million deficit.  Leaders from the AU and UN warned that without consistent, long-term support, the mission may fail.

The warning comes in an already violent year that has seen Al Shabaab intensify its offensive.  Twenty recruits were killed by a suicide bombing at the Damaanyo military base in Mogadishu, and 21 people, including elders in charge of local defence, were killed during a hotel siege in Beledweyne earlier this year as well.  A strike on U.S. forces at Kismayo airport highlighted Somalia's vulnerability, while militants overran a garrison in Ceeldheer, seizing supplies and vehicles.  These incidents demonstrate that militants can still destabilise both rural and urban areas in the absence of a significant AU presence.

The background

AUSSOM was established in January 2025 as a leaner version of ATMIS/AMISOM, but it was still charged with securing critical infrastructure, assisting the Somali Security Forces (SSF), and degrading Al-Shabaab.  It operates in five sectors, with a phased drawdown aimed at Somali self-reliance by 2029.

Donor fatigue is glaring despite September's pledges, with the UK having acknowledged a £22 million shortfall. Operational planning is undermined by the fact that many contributions are still one-time rather than consistent over several years.  UN and AU officials have cautioned that if funding sources fail, troop logistics and salaries could be jeopardised.

Regional dynamics

Ethiopia is a major troop contributor, but it is cautious of Egyptian deployments because it views them as destabilising and linked to the geopolitics of the Nile Basin amid tensions surrounding the GERD development. Additionally, Addis Ababa conducts unilateral actions outside of AU coordination. Addis has hinted it may reconsider its own commitments if Egyptian deployments expand.

Egypt is now deploying troops under AUSSOM after finalising agreements with Mogadishu. Egyptian contingents are expected to take over positions in Sector Five (Middle Shabelle), including Bal’ad, Jowhar, and Mahaday, currently held by Burundian forces. Cairo frames this as support for Somalia’s stability, but critics see it as part of its strategic contest with Ethiopia. However, Somali leaders have openly denied that they will be used as a front in a proxy conflict.

Ankara is a longtime bilateral partner that invests in infrastructure, maintains a significant base in Mogadishu, and trains Somali special forces.  Although it complicates AU coordination, its expanding role gives Mogadishu alternatives.

Recalibration of the United States: US President Donald Trump has made it clear that the United States "will not police Somalia or Kenya." Washington is shrinking its footprint, prioritising a focus on intelligence assistance and targeted strikes. Recent airstrikes such as those near Badhan and on Al-Shabaab camps, demonstrate continued engagement, but with fewer resources on the ground.

Comment

AUSSOM is indispensable yet precarious. It stabilises Somalia's fragile transition, but ongoing underfunding erodes planning and troop morale.  International acknowledgement of the mission's importance does not yet translate into sustainable resourcing, as the September financing event demonstrated.

AUSSOM’s credibility also suffers from its uneven relationship with Somalia’s federal and regional authorities. Disputes between Mogadishu and federal member states such as Jubaland and Puntland undermine coordination, leaving gaps that Al-Shabaab readily exploits. For many Somalis, the mission is caught between being a stabiliser and a symbol of dependency, struggling to empower Somali forces while remaining an indispensable promise of security.

The U.S. withdrawal increases accountability for European and African donors.  The problem for Europe is serious: terrorism, migration, and maritime insecurity could spread without strong AU operations, but there is still little desire for greater engagement.  For Somalis, AUSSOM serves as a reminder of the state's vulnerability as well as a source of comfort against Al-Shabaab.

Assessment / Outlook

With the help of recent donor commitments, AUSSOM should be able to maintain its position in the near term, but operational constraints brought on by budget deficits will continue.  Al-Shabaab will most likely keep carrying out asymmetrical attacks, such as raids in central Somalia and suicide bombings in Mogadishu, in an effort to test the resolve of the AU and Somali people.

Looking ahead, if donor fatigue persists, there is a real chance that the mission will be reduced too soon.  Somalia's security forces are unlikely to be fully responsible by 2029 due to the country's unresolved conflicts between the federal government and its regions and its sluggish institutional reform.  AU cohesion and Mogadishu's balancing act will be made more difficult by the escalating regional rivalries, which include Ethiopia's resistance, Egypt's ambitions for influence, and Turkey's growing involvement.

The stakes are high for Europe and other partners. In addition to giving Al-Shabaab more confidence, a weakened AUSSOM would raise the risks to Red Sea trade and encourage migration northward, highlighting the close connection between Somalia's stability and wider international security.

Conclusion

AUSSOM embodies both the promise and limits of African-led stabilisation. It is essential in holding back Al-Shabaab and enabling fragile Somali governance, yet its survival depends on reliable funding and regional consensus. Turkey’s rise and the Egypt–Ethiopia tug-of-war complicate AU unity, while U.S. retrenchment shifts responsibility toward Africa and Europe. For Somalia, the mission is a lifeline. For the West, it is a warning: failure to sustain AUSSOM risks reverberations across the Horn, the Red Sea, and into Europe’s own security corridors.

This report is compiled by  Eigenrac  is a Dubai-based boutique consultancy specialising in security risk management services, with a global presence and deep understanding of complex business risk environments. Eigenrac acts as a trusted enabler for clients operating in high-risk or demanding settings.

“It’s completely unthinkable,” said Oeivind Stenersen, a historian who has studied the Nobel Peace Prize extensively. Speaking to AFP, Stenersen said Trump is “in many ways the opposite of the ideals that the Nobel Prize represents.”  

“The Nobel Peace Prize is about defending multilateral cooperation, for example, through the UN,” Stenersen added. “Trump breaks with that principle. He follows his own path, unilaterally.”

Trump has claimed he ended “six or seven wars” during his presidency, a figure experts call grossly exaggerated. While he often highlights the Abraham Accords, normalisation deals between Israel and several Arab states, analysts say those moves alone don’t align with the prize’s mission to reward diplomacy, peacebuilding, and respect for international law.

The Nobel Prizes are considered among the world’s most prestigious honours and will be announced next week, starting with medicine on Monday and ending with economics the following Monday. The Peace Prize winner will be revealed in Oslo on October 10.

According to current estimates, about 15,000 Israeli troops are active in Gaza, alongside roughly 5,000 Hamas fighters. President Prabowo’s proposed deployment would not only outnumber both but would also signal Indonesia’s emergence as a global peace broker willing to match words with action.

Although the leader's offer was bold, it was also conditional. He stated that Indonesia stands ready to send 20,000 or more troops to Gaza “if and when the UN Security Council and this great Assembly decide.”

Currently, Indonesia is already one of the world’s leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with over 2,700 personnel deployed across various operations. The president’s new pledge would multiply that commitment almost tenfold, positioning Indonesia as one of the UN’s most significant peacekeeping forces.

However, Prabowo’s statement came with a clear diplomatic condition: Indonesia would consider recognising Israel only when Israel formally acknowledges Palestinian statehood.

This nuanced stance underscores Jakarta’s support for a two-state solution , emphasising that peace must guarantee both Israeli security and Palestinian sovereignty.

The proposal has stirred debate both internationally and domestically. While some critics suggest it could soften Indonesia’s traditionally strong pro-Palestinian stance, others see it as a pragmatic step toward elevating the country’s global diplomatic influence.

This aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent push for renewed multilateral dialogue during his visit to Jakarta earlier this year, where France and Indonesia jointly voiced support for mutual recognition between Israel and Palestine.

“Russia has always, since 1948, and then also in 1974, when the relevant UN Security Council resolution was adopted, advocated for the creation of two states – Israel and a Palestinian state,” he said. “And this, in my opinion, is the key to a final solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”

The Russian leader said that, as far as he understood, Trump’s proposal included creating an international body to govern Gaza for a transitional period, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair named to head it. 

While acknowledging Blair’s controversial reputation, Putin noted his political experience.

“In my view, it would be better to entrust everything to President Abbas and today’s Palestinian administration,” he added. “It might be difficult for them to solve security-related issues, but … it provides for the possibility of transferring control over the Gaza Strip, including to the local police to ensure security.”

Putin suggested that such an arrangement could be “a breakthrough” if implemented sincerely and accepted by all sides. 

“What’s important, even more than the public statement, is essentially how the Israeli leadership will relate to this. Whether they will fulfil everything proposed there by the President of the United States ,” he said.

“There are a lot of questions, but in general, if all these positive things I mentioned occur, it can, of course, be a breakthrough. The breakthrough can be very positive,” Putin added.

The comments marked a rare moment of alignment between Moscow and Washington, with Putin signaling openness to a U.S.-backed initiative despite ongoing tensions between the two powers on other fronts.

The figures, visualised by World Visualized, show that nearly 50 countries support the UN peacekeeping mission, but a handful provide the lion’s share of boots on the ground. UNIFIL has played a key role in monitoring the ceasefire line (Blue Line) between Israel and Lebanon since its mandate was expanded in 2006 following the Israel–Hezbollah war.

The top 10 contributors to the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission are:

Indonesia - 1,255 peacekeepers

Italy - 1,098

India - 902

Ghana - 878

Nepal - 876

Malaysia - 831

France - 749

Spain - 690

China - 484

Ireland - 335

These nations collectively represent the core of UNIFIL’s personnel, tasked with de-escalation, patrolling the border, and supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in maintaining peace and humanitarian access.

Indonesia’s significant troop contribution reflects its longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping. The country has been active in various UN missions and views participation in UNIFIL as part of its broader strategy to promote international peace and security.

In a statement published on its official Facebook page , the government emphasised its position: “The Thai force had to defend itself and the area of Thai sovereignty. The action complied with the principles of international law.”

The announcement referred to the May 28 skirmish between Thai and Cambodian troops in the Chong Bok area of Ubon Ratchathani province.

Following the incident, both governments engaged in discussions at multiple levels, including between prime ministers. They agreed to cooperate in restoring normalcy and use established bilateral mechanisms, notably the Joint Boundary Committee, which is scheduled to meet in Cambodia on June 14.

The government concluded by stating that the situation along the Thai-Cambodian border is stable and expressed confidence that both countries can reach a mutual resolution.

"In March, the Ukrainian president said in Jeddah that he agreed to an unconditional ceasefire. And yesterday, the Ukrainian president said he had decided to meet (with Vladimir Putin) in Istanbul. This is the second time he has made major concessions. We must all be reasonable now. Either Russia, Mr Putin, is serious and wants peace, or it is not serious and we must impose even tougher sanctions ," Macron told the press on Monday, May 12.

Western leaders, including those from the United States , issued a firm demand on Saturday, May 10, for Moscow to implement an unconditional 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine beginning Monday, warning that failure to comply would trigger intensified sanctions targeting Russia’s banking and energy sectors.

Putin, however, on the same day, countered with a proposal to engage in talks in Istanbul.

“We are committed to serious negotiations with Ukraine … to remove the root causes of the conflict,” he said at a news conference. “I do not exclude that during these negotiations it will be possible to agree on some new ceasefire.”

Elias Magosi, Executive Secretary of SADC, emphasised the region's commitment to supporting the DRC. "Summit reaffirmed its solidarity and unwavering commitment to continue supporting the DRC in its pursuit of safeguarding its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, as well as sustainable peace, security, and development," Magosi stated.

Zimbabwe's President and SADC Chairperson, Emmerson Mnangagwa, highlighted the collective responsibility of member states to foster lasting peace in the region. "It is the individual and collective duty of all member states to do much more towards permanently silencing the guns if we are to succeed in achieving these aspirations," Mnangagwa said.

DRC President Felix Tshisekedi participated virtually in the summit, which was convened following the deaths of 13 South African and three Malawian soldiers in recent clashes near Goma. These troops were deployed as part of regional peacekeeping operations.

After capturing Goma, M23 rebels advanced southward on Friday, vowing to march all the way to the DRC capital, Kinshasa, raising concerns over further instability in the region.

South African forces are deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional mission and the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, to help stabilise the conflict-prone region.

Ramaphosa emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts to maintain peace in the region, including conversations with Rwandan President Paul Kagame. "We are insisting that a ceasefire must hold," he told the media .

Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga provided additional details, revealing that M23 had requested safe passage to retrieve their deceased fighters. "We hoisted a white flag to allow this passage, which I am told is a conventional practice in war ," Motshekga said.

She also highlighted Angola’s role in peace negotiations and ongoing discussions involving Rwanda, often accused of supporting the M23. "We are keeping communications open with Rwanda, and there has been no hostility between us," Motshekga added.

The attacks in DRC have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, forcing thousands to flee further south into the already volatile South Kivu region or seek refuge across the Rwandan border. The UN reports that over 500,000 people have been displaced since January, while hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, many of whom are civilians.

The Nobel Prize announcements, scheduled for October 7 to 14, will highlight achievements that have made a positive impact on the world. 

However, with the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, famine in Sudan, and the worsening climate crisis, experts find it increasingly difficult to predict the Committee's choice for the prestigious Peace Prize, which will be revealed on October 11. 

Smith highlighted the worsening state of global peace, referencing multiple armed conflicts across Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, and Sudan, which could lead to the worst war-induced famine in 40 years. He argued that, given the dire situation, the Nobel Peace Prize Committee might consider forgoing an award this year to emphasise the urgency for action. "We need more people and world leaders to wake up and realise that we are in an extremely dangerous situation," he told the AFP.

Olav Njølstad, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, acknowledged the current challenges but remained hopeful. "It's hard to be an optimist when you look around in the world today," he noted. 

Adding that "but when we look through the nominations, there are definitely people and organizations doing great work in favour of the values we believe in and for peace." He expressed confidence that a worthy candidate for the Peace Prize would emerge this year.

  The Nobel Peace Prize is one of five awards established by the will of Swedish industrialist, inventor, and arms manufacturer Alfred Nobel.

Guterres emphasised that East Timor's journey from conflict to peace serves as an inspiring example of how negotiation and international cooperation can resolve disputes.

"Timor-Leste has greatly inspired the UN in mediating solidarity at the international level. This is something that the UN will never be able to repay to the Timorese people. And, at present, Timor-Leste has evolved from a host country for peacekeeping forces to a country contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping missions in other countries, namely in South Sudan," he said as he addressed a section of the nation.

Citizens like Luis da Silva Amaral also echoed the sentiments of the UN when he told the AFP "The difference is that we are now free, we sleep well. In the past, we couldn't sleep peacefully, because militias were all over the place, looking for us. The young people who were involved in our movements were hunted, kidnapped, they could just disappear or die."

East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, gained independence in 2002 after a tumultuous history of colonization and occupation. The country was a Portuguese colony until 1975, after which it was invaded and occupied by Indonesia.

Following a UN-supervised referendum in 1999, where an overwhelming majority voted for independence, East Timor faced significant violence and destruction before finally achieving sovereignty in 2002.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency has established a 3D Robotic Coding Lab within the Department of Computer Engineering at Zamzam Foundation University. The project is aimed at enhancing the knowledge skills and proficiencies of Somali students in the technological field. The training will be carried out in the Department of Computer Engineering faculty building according to Radio Dalsan .

Security in Somalia

A new lean contingent of troops has been assigned to help the Somalia National Army (SNA) following the exit of the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS). 5000 troops have already left in the first and second phases. About 4,000 more are expected to leave the country soon with the last batch departing by December. According to the National Security Advisor Hussein Sheikh Ali, the new contingent of multi-national troops will operate in the country fully after the exit of the ATMIS contingent. Their mandate will be to protect key infrastructure area, Garowe news platform reports.

AU Summit

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is at the African Union Summit in Ethiopia amidst tensions over sea access between both countries. The President during his visit to Addis Ababa denounced Ethiopia’s signage of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somaliland to gain access to the sea. He described it as an invasion of another country’s territory, the Somali Guardian reports.

Alshabaab bombings

The Somali National Army has destroyed the hideout of some Al-Shabaab terrorists in parts of the country. According to a report by the Somali National News Agency , the troops carried out the operation with the support of international partners on February 17. The operation was carried out at El-wadalan area near the Galcad district in the Galgaduud region where 2 bases were bombed.

Mine explosion

An explosion of a remote-controlled mine in the Luuq District in the Gedo Region in Southern Somalia resulted in casualties in the early hours of February 17. The explosion's impact was reportedly felt in many parts of the district, according to Radio Dalsan . Three civilians were injured in the explosion. Meanwhile, investigations are underway as Luuq security officials try to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.

What they said

Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, told the press, “We have a ceiling of 13,500 troops authorised by the Security Council; as of April 30th, with the start of the withdrawal underway, we will reach 11,500.” Congolese Foreign Minister Christophe Lutundula during a press conference also said "After 25 years of presence, MONUSCO will definitively leave the DRC no later than the end of 2024. The withdrawal of MONUSCO does not necessarily mean the end of the fight we are undertaking to protect the territorial interests of our country; we must continue to struggle."

A post by MINUSMA on their official page on December 11 announced the end of the mission.

“Official ceremony on 11/12 in Bamako to announce the end of the mission. An opportunity to look back on 10 years in the service of peace in #Mali, with the diplomatic corps, the United Nations family, and the authorities🇲🇱. Withdrawal to be completed by 31/12,” the post said.

MINUSMA lowered the U.N. flag on its headquarters in the capital Bamako as part of the official closing ceremony.

In an earlier release dated December 8, 2023, the MINUSMA UN Missions indicated that it closed its camp in Sevare, Mopti region, marking the end of its presence in the central regions of Mali.

This followed the closure of other bases in Ogossagou and Doutentza, with the last batch of personnel, both civilian and military leaving the camp on December 8, 2023.

As of Friday, more than 10,500 uniformed and civilian MINUSMA personnel had left Mali, out of a total of around 13,800 staff at the start of the withdrawal, the UN mission said on X, formerly Twitter.

“By the end of December 2023, the remaining MINUSMA personnel will leave Mali, completing the Mission's drawdown as mandated by the Security Council at the request of the Malian authorities. The liquidation phase will begin from 1 January 2024,” parts of the statement said.

The MINUSMA was established in April 2013 to support political processes in the country and to carry out some security-related tasks.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established by Security Council Resolution 2100.

Meanwhile, there have been concerns about the re-emergence of fights among factions in the country over territory.

South Sudan will begin the legalisation of the activities of black-market currency dealers to curb non-compliance to economic reforms. The Governor of the Central Bank of South Sudan told reporters that the government of the East African nation will issue licenses to the hard currency vendors to formalise their ventures. "All over Juba, we have currency traders, those who buy and sell hard currency. What we are saying is that we will ask them to organise and become more formal and find places and spots in Juba where they can formally do their businesses," he is quoted by local media Eye Radio .

Criminal gang arrests

The South Sudan police force has arrested over 300 South Sudanese youth said to be involved in criminal gang-related activities. A spokesperson for the nation's police force said that the police began a 21-day operation to reduce gang-related crimes in the East African nation on November 18. "We started it last Saturday in Gumbo, whereby in our first operation we managed to arrest 70 suspects, and after that the number went as far as 125 and on November 27 the number has gone to 310, among them are 8 girls," he is quoted by Eye Radio .

EAC chairmanship

South Sudan has been initiated as the new chair of the East African Community (EAC), following the inauguration of South Sudan President Salva Kiir as the bloc’s chair at the 23 rd Ordinary Summit of the EAC Heads of State held in Tanzania on November 24. “The Republic of South Sudan has assumed Chairmanship of the East African Community. H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan is the new Chairperson of the East African Community,” the EAC in a statement said.

Unarmed peace forces

The South Sudan Army has deployed 750 soldiers as peace forces to the city of Malakal in the Upper Nile State of South Sudan without any weapons.  The unarmed soldiers arrived at their destination on November 23. “We wait for the committee to be able to come to the command [headquarters] in Juba and then they let us know what to do. I believe it will never take long because the longer they take in one place the more challenges they could start facing,” a spokesperson of the army is quoted by local media Sudans Post .

Government travel expenses

The South Sudan Minister of Finance has announced that the Sudanese government will put stringent measures in place to reduce the travel expenditure of government officials of the East African nation. " We are reducing cost of expenditure, so we will temporarily introduce austerity measures in some of our spending," he is quoted by Eye Radio .

Starting her career as a public information officer in 2014 with the Indonesian National Police, Rismayanti has been instrumental in the development of a groundbreaking criminal database that enables UN Police to identify and analyse crime and disorder hotspots, the UN reported.

Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, in a statement published by the UN, commended Rismayanti's dedication, stating, "Her innovation and efforts have significantly enhanced security, especially for vulnerable communities like women and girls."

“She serves as a great example of how the participation and leadership of women in peacekeeping improve the effectiveness of our protection and peacebuilding work to better meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” he added.

The United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year award, established in 2011, aims to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of women police officers to UN peace operations and promote women's empowerment.