Latest news with #Jean-PierreLacroix
Shafaq News
a day ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
UN: Sudan Conflict could spill into CAR
The civil war in Sudan is beginning to spill over into neighboring Central African Republic (CAR), raising fresh security concerns in a country already grappling with internal conflict, the United Nations warned on Thursday. UN Undersecretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the Security Council that an attack which killed a UN peacekeeper near CAR's northeastern border last Friday was carried out by 'armed Sudanese elements.' It was the first official attribution of the assault to fighters linked to the ongoing Sudanese conflict. Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal power struggle since April 2023 between the country's military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting has killed at least 24,000 people, displaced over 13 million, and left much of the country on the brink of famine and disease, including a growing cholera outbreak. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes. Lacroix noted that while there have been gains in integrating some armed factions into CAR's peace process, violence by rebel groups continues to jeopardize stability, particularly along the country's fragile borders. 'The security situation remains tenuous in border areas in the northeast,' he said. 'Instability in the region bordering Sudan is being driven by the spillover from the Sudanese conflict.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
a day ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
UN peacekeeping chief warns Sudan conflict spilling into Central African Republic - War in Sudan
The conflict in Sudan is spilling across its southwestern border into Central African Republic, a country already battered by its own conflict with rebels, the United Nations peacekeeping chief warned Thursday. Undersecretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the UN Security Council that the attack that killed a UN peacekeeper near the country's border with Sudan last Friday was carried out by 'armed Sudanese elements.' His comments were the first identifying Sudanese armed fighters as responsible for the attack on the peacekeepers. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said in a new report to the Security Council that vehicles suspected of belonging to the Rapid Support Forces — the key actors in Sudan's civil war — were sighted on several occasions in the areas of Am Dafok and Aouk (Vakaga Prefecture) of Central African Republic, where UN peacekeepers are present. In the report covering the period from mid-February to mid-June, Guterres said, 'In the northeast (of CAR), armed incursions linked to the conflict in the Sudan continued.' Sudan plunged into civil war when rival generals heading the country's armed forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started fighting each other in mid-April 2023. Since then, at least 24,000 people have died, about 13 million Sudanese have fled their homes, famine is setting in and cholera is sweeping across the country. Both sides have been accused of war crimes. Meanwhile, CAR has been battling conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then President François Bozizé from office. It is among the first countries in Africa to welcome Russia-backed forces, with Moscow seeking to help protect authorities and fight armed groups. Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief, said that while progress is being made with some groups on reintegrating into CAR's peace process, violence by armed groups and militias continues, compromising stability and posing a significant threat to civilians. He said the government continues to collaborate with MINUSCA — the UN's peacekeeping operation in CAR — on extending and enhancing its presence throughout the country and improving security in border areas. 'Despite these efforts, the security situation remains tenuous in border areas in the northeast,' Lacroix said. 'In the border region with Sudan, instability continues to be characterized by the spillover of the Sudanese conflict.' With general elections expected to be held in December, the political situation remains 'punctuated by mistrust and tensions between the majority in power and opposition,' Lacroix said. The elections represent a 'crucial opportunity' to strengthen democratic governance, promote reconciliation and consolidate stability, he added. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
a day ago
- Politics
UN peacekeeping chief warns that conflict in Sudan is spilling into Central African Republic
UNITED NATIONS -- The conflict in Sudan is spilling across its southwestern border into Central African Republic, a country already battered by its own conflict with rebels, the United Nations peacekeeping chief warned Thursday. Undersecretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the U.N. Security Council that the attack that killed a U.N. peacekeeper near the country's border with Sudan last Friday was carried out by 'armed Sudanese elements.' His comments were the first identifying Sudanese armed fighters as responsible for the attack on the peacekeepers. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said in a new report to the Security Council that vehicles suspected of belonging to the Rapid Support Forces — the key actors in Sudan's civil war — were sighted on several occasions in the areas of Am Dafok and Aouk (Vakaga Prefecture) of Central African Republic, where U.N. peacekeepers are present. In the report covering the period from mid-February to mid-June, Guterres said, 'In the northeast (of CAR), armed incursions linked to the conflict in the Sudan continued.' Sudan plunged into civil war when rival generals heading the country's armed forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started fighting each other in mid-April 2023. Since then, at least 24,000 people have died, about 13 million Sudanese have fled their homes, famine is setting in and cholera is sweeping across the country. Both sides have been accused of war crimes. Meanwhile, CAR has been battling conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then President François Bozizé from office. It is among the first countries in Africa to welcome Russia-backed forces, with Moscow seeking to help protect authorities and fight armed groups. Lacroix, the U.N. peacekeeping chief, said that while progress is being made with some groups on reintegrating into CAR's peace process, violence by armed groups and militias continues, compromising stability and posing a significant threat to civilians. He said the government continues to collaborate with MINUSCA — the U.N.'s peacekeeping operation in CAR — on extending and enhancing its presence throughout the country and improving security in border areas. 'Despite these efforts, the security situation remains tenuous in border areas in the northeast,' Lacroix said. 'In the border region with Sudan, instability continues to be characterized by the spillover of the Sudanese conflict.' With general elections expected to be held in December, the political situation remains 'punctuated by mistrust and tensions between the majority in power and opposition,' Lacroix said. The elections represent a 'crucial opportunity' to strengthen democratic governance, promote reconciliation and consolidate stability, he added.
Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Politics
- Winnipeg Free Press
UN peacekeeping chief warns that conflict in Sudan is spilling into Central African Republic
UNITED NATIONS (AP) — The conflict in Sudan is spilling across its southwestern border into Central African Republic, a country already battered by its own conflict with rebels, the United Nations peacekeeping chief warned Thursday. Undersecretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix told the U.N. Security Council that the attack that killed a U.N. peacekeeper near the country's border with Sudan last Friday was carried out by 'armed Sudanese elements.' His comments were the first identifying Sudanese armed fighters as responsible for the attack on the peacekeepers. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said in a new report to the Security Council that vehicles suspected of belonging to the Rapid Support Forces — the key actors in Sudan's civil war — were sighted on several occasions in the areas of Am Dafok and Aouk (Vakaga Prefecture) of Central African Republic, where U.N. peacekeepers are present. In the report covering the period from mid-February to mid-June, Guterres said, 'In the northeast (of CAR), armed incursions linked to the conflict in the Sudan continued.' Sudan plunged into civil war when rival generals heading the country's armed forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces started fighting each other in mid-April 2023. Since then, at least 24,000 people have died, about 13 million Sudanese have fled their homes, famine is setting in and cholera is sweeping across the country. Both sides have been accused of war crimes. Meanwhile, CAR has been battling conflict since 2013, when predominantly Muslim rebels seized power and forced then President François Bozizé from office. It is among the first countries in Africa to welcome Russia-backed forces, with Moscow seeking to help protect authorities and fight armed groups. Lacroix, the U.N. peacekeeping chief, said that while progress is being made with some groups on reintegrating into CAR's peace process, violence by armed groups and militias continues, compromising stability and posing a significant threat to civilians. He said the government continues to collaborate with MINUSCA — the U.N.'s peacekeeping operation in CAR — on extending and enhancing its presence throughout the country and improving security in border areas. 'Despite these efforts, the security situation remains tenuous in border areas in the northeast,' Lacroix said. 'In the border region with Sudan, instability continues to be characterized by the spillover of the Sudanese conflict.' With general elections expected to be held in December, the political situation remains 'punctuated by mistrust and tensions between the majority in power and opposition,' Lacroix said. The elections represent a 'crucial opportunity' to strengthen democratic governance, promote reconciliation and consolidate stability, he added.
MTV Lebanon
20-06-2025
- Politics
- MTV Lebanon
UN Peacekeeping Chief reaffirms UNIFIL's role as he concludes visit
United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, concluded a visit to Lebanon today as part of a planned tour to the region. Key highlights included his meetings with senior Lebanese officials, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Lebanon, UNIFIL leadership, and fellow peacekeepers. This was his last official meeting with outgoing Head of Mission and Force Commander Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro. He visited and saw firsthand some of Lebanese areas near the Blue Line that were hardest hit by the recent conflict. The UN peacekeeping chief, onboard a UNIFIL Maritime Task Force ship, also inspected the area of maritime operation off the coast of Naqoura. Throughout his engagements, Mr. Lacroix reaffirmed the crucial role of UNIFIL in maintaining lasting stability in south Lebanon and the mission's critical support to the parties in the implementation of Security Council resolution 1701. He acknowledged the delicate nature of the current relative calm along the Blue Line and stressed the importance of preserving and consolidating it, especially in light of concerning regional developments. In meetings with Lebanese officials, Mr. Lacroix underscored UNIFIL's vital role – together with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) – in sustaining the cessation of hostilities understanding and advancing the implementation of resolution 1701. "In all my engagements, I underscored the importance of continued political support for the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701 as a prerequisite for peace and security in the region," said Mr. Lacroix. "I also reaffirmed the Mission's commitment to supporting local communities, helping the parties implement Resolution 1701, and working in close coordination with the Lebanese Armed Forces as they continue their redeployment in southern Lebanon." The peacekeeping chief also expressed appreciation for the work of UN peacekeepers operating under the increasingly complex and challenging conditions, and reaffirmed the UN's unwavering support for peace and security for all civilians affected by the conflict.
