Press releases

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Thank you for the opportunity to brief the Council on the important subject of addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have warned of the risks it poses to people and societies around the world, especially in countries affected by conflict. The series of Policy Briefs I issued last year included one that focuses only on the impact of COVID-19 on Africa.   This was the backdrop to my appeal for a global ceasefire to enable us to focus on our common enemy: the virus.

[Watch the video on webtv.un.org] I thank France for hosting today’s Conference. We have a responsibility to help Sudan consolidate its democratic transition. Rebuild its economy. And deliver sustainable peace and development for all its diverse society. I commend the Government of Sudan for undertaking difficult economic reforms.

The Secretary-General is saddened at the passing of Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Erskine, of Ghana, at the age of 86. Lt. Gen. Erskine served as UNIFIL’s first Force Commander from 1978 to 1981, a particularly difficult time for south Lebanon.   He led the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the initial implementation of Security Council Resolution 425 (1978).