UN Security Council authorizes new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia

The United Nations (UN) Security Council on Friday adopted a resolution to authorize the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) from January 1, 2025.

In the resolution, approved by 14 of the council's 15 member states, with the United States' abstention, the UN Security Council said that it endorsed the AU Peace and Security Council's decision to replace the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) with AUSSOM. The AUSSOM is expected to continue to carry out important tasks including combating terrorism and protecting civilians in Somalia.

Minister-Counselor Sun Zhiqiang of China's Permanent Mission to the UN said that China supports the UN Security Council's decision on Somalia and is willing to contribute to Somalia's security and stability. "This fully demonstrates the determination of the UN Security Council to support Somalia in achieving lasting peace. China voted in favor of the resolution. China supports the African Union and the Somali government in formulating a transition plan for the new peacekeeping mission, and hopes that all parties will continue to work together in the next stage to hand over the work of two missions, avoid a security vacuum, and consolidate hard-won counter-terrorism achievements. China is also willing to make its own contribution to Somalia's security and stability," said Sun.

UN Security Council authorizes new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia

UN Security Council authorizes new AU peacekeeping mission in Somalia

The United Nations has expressed serious concern over the deadly missile strike on a girls' school in Iran, and warns the serious impact of the escalating regional tension over civilians.

Speaking at a regular briefing at UN headquarters on Monday, Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said that the UN has seen the reporting on the attack on the girls' school and the horrendous deaths of the students.

As a number of U.S. officials have announced to carry out independent investigation, the UN looks forward to the sharing of related results, he added.

The UN is also increasingly concerned about the escalating conflict across the Middle East, and reiterates that all possible precautions must be taken to protect civilians from the impact of hostilities, he said.

"We continue raising the alarm over the humanitarian impact of escalating violence across parts of the Middle East, which is driving rising civilian casualties, damage to civilian infrastructure, and growing displacement of people," he said. Dujarric added that recent reports of attacks on energy facilities and desalination plants are particularly worrying, as they could pose serious environmental and public health risks.

The UN continues to call on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and pursue diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis, he said.

UN voices concern about deadly Iranian school strike, expects independent investigation