This Week in DPPA: 28 August – 4 September 2026
A brief roundup of United Nations political and peacebuilding events and developments globally.
Ruiz Massieu calls for sustained action in Haiti following deadly attack in Kenscoff
On 28 August, Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Carlos Ruiz Massieu briefed the Security Council meeting following a deadly gang attack in Kenscoff that killed at least 47 people, including five children. Condemning the attack, he called for the immediate release of those abducted and stressed the urgent need to strengthen international security support for Haiti. He emphasized that security efforts must go hand in hand with restoring State authority, basic services and livelihoods, advancing the political process and ensuring accountability. “Haiti urgently needs existing commitments to translate into concrete results,” he said.
UNSMIL welcomes agreement advancing Libya’s path towards elections
On 30 August, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) hosted the signing of an agreement reached through the UN-facilitated Smaller Convening, marking an important step towards national elections in Libya. The agreement addresses the first two milestones of the Mission’s political roadmap: the reconstitution of the Board of Commissioners of the High National Elections Commission and outstanding issues in the constitutional and legal framework for presidential and legislative elections. SRSG Hanna Tetteh welcomed the agreement and called on Libyan stakeholders to translate it into concrete action, stressing that ownership of Libya’s political future remains firmly with the Libyan people.
Personal Envoy Haavisto travels to Sudan to advance de-escalation and political dialogue
On 4 September, the Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, travelled to Khartoum to engage key stakeholders on measures to de-escalate violence and strengthen the protection of civilians. Next week, he will be joined by partners from the Quintet (the African Union, European Union, IGAD and League of Arab States) for a joint visit focused on the political landscape and efforts to advance intra-Sudanese dialogue.
UN envoys engage regional partners in support of peace in eastern DRC
This week, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General (SESG) for the Great Lakes Region Huang Xia visited Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, together with SRSG and Head of MONUSCO James Swan, as part of UN efforts to support durable peace in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and coordinate regional peace initiatives. They reiterated UN support for African Union-led mediation efforts and called on all parties to comply with Security Council resolution 2773 and fulfil their commitments under the ongoing Doha and Washington processes.
UNAMA calls for victim-centred approach to legacy of conflict in Afghanistan
On 1 September, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) released a new report documenting the lasting impact of decades of armed conflict on victims in Afghanistan. Based on interviews with 195 victims and their relatives, the report found widespread psychological and physical harm, alongside significant barriers to justice, assistance and redress. UNAMA called for a comprehensive, victim-centred approach to addressing the legacy of the conflict, including greater accountability and support for victims.
Slovakia contributes to DPPA’s Multi-Year Appeal
This week, DPPA thanks the Government of the Slovakia for its contribution of EUR 30,000 to the Department’s Multi-Year Appeal (MYA). The MYA is DPPA’s voluntary funding mechanism, enabling flexible, rapid support for preventive diplomacy, mediation and other core priorities. Slovakia’s steady backing for the UN’s political work reflects its continued partnership in advancing conflict prevention and mediation efforts globally.