Darfur peace process has reached ‘critical’ juncture, Ban says
21December – The peace process in the war-wracked Darfur region of Sudan has reached a “critical point,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, calling on both the Government and rebel groups to accelerate efforts to reach a compromise. FULL STORY>>

UN hails first female winner of national youth music contest in Liberia
21December – United Nations officials in Liberia have congratulated 19-year-old Vivian Akoto on becoming the first female to win A Star is Born, a youth competition which since 2006 has used music as an instrument for social change, national unity, and an agent to promote peace and development in the West African country. FULL STORY>>

Security Council urges security sector reform ahead of Central African polls
21December – The Security Council today called on the Government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to ensure a speedy and inclusive political dialogue and swift security sector reform as the conflict-plagued country prepares for elections in 2010, urging the world community to provide necessary support. FULL STORY>>

UN probing allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation in Côte d’Ivoire
21December – The United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) has announced that it is taking all possible measures to investigate allegations that have emerged of sexual abuse and exploitation among its military personnel, some dating back to 2006 and potentially involving minors. FULL STORY>>

Ugandan rebels murder, rape, mutilate, displace thousands in DR Congo, Sudan – UN
21December – In a 10-month rampage of killings, rape and mutilation in neighbouring countries that may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, the rebel Ugandan Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), has killed some 1,300 civilians, abducted 1,400 more, including hundreds of children and women, and displaced nearly 300,000 others, the United Nations reported today. FULL STORY>>

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