Latest news with #AeneasChuma
Zawya
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Community leaders call on United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to support demilitarization of Tripoli
Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Aeneas Chuma chaired a meeting with the Tripoli Center Outreach Committee Monday to discuss de-escalation efforts in Tripoli. These leaders, who has contributed to brokering and sustaining the truce since the May crisis, have been pivotal in preventing violence through community engagement. The Mission has facilitated targeted mediation meetings to reinforce their peacebuilding capacities, encourage coordination with official security institutions, and amplify local ownership in sustaining stability. During the same week, UNSMIL's SIS met with notables and community leaders from across the western region as part of ongoing efforts to support local peacebuilding. The meeting followed up on previous engagements and recognized their critical role in sustaining the truce. Participants discussed ways to further contribute to the implementation of local security arrangements and enhance coordination with official institutions. UNSMIL reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive dialogue and community-driven stabilization. 'UNSMIL and IC need to urge all parties to refrain from provocative speech and actions,' one of the notables said. During the meetings, the leaders shared their efforts and presented recommendations for peace initiatives. Participants stressed the need for a disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration program, warning of the risks of military presence in residential areas. "We share the demands of Tripoli's people and aim to demilitarize the capital," stated the participants. UNSMIL expressed its intention to increase collaboration and ensure that local voices continue to shape both local and national peace processes. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Zawya
18-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) joins the Libyan Mine Action Centre to commemorate International Day for Mine Action Awareness
About 150 people gathered on 16 April to commemorate the International Day for Mine Action Awareness at an event coordinated by the Libyan Mine Action Centre in partnership with the United Nations Support Mission in Libya and international and national mine action organisers and operators. Representatives from key Libyan institutions, such as the Ministries of Defence and Health, and the Chief of Staff Office of the Libyan Army, attended the event at Sports City in Tripoli. Ambassadors and delegates from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Ghana, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Kingdom also joined. Hundreds of millions of square metres in Libya have been identified as hazardous areas, with more expected to be added, said Aeneas Chuma, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC), quoting LibMAC data, during the opening ceremony. In some areas, such as those buried under rubble, he warned, the risk to residents is especially high. DSRSG Chuma emphasised the need for continued demining and risk education to ensure the safe mobility of communities, families, and children. Brigadier General Munir Nseer, director of the Ministry of Defence's Strategic Planning Department, announced progress in ongoing discussions about the Libyan Mine Action Strategy, led by LibMAC with the support of GICHD, to create a more effective, and sustainable response to explosive ordnance contamination. Brigadier General Khalil El-Shibli, LibMAC director, called on the UN and the international community to continue supporting the lifesaving operations led by Libyans and their partners on the ground. Chief of Mine Action at UNSMIL, Fatma Zourrig, in her remarks, agreed on the importance of a strategic framework, legislation, and strengthened cooperation between humanitarian organizations and security institutions to advance mine action in Libya. She also noted with concern that in early 2025, a child lost his life due to explosive remnants, highlighting the urgency of mine action as Libya moves forward with reconstruction. Following the opening ceremony, attendees browsed an exhibition put on by 11 national and international organisations and operators, which featured open presentations, live demonstrations, and simulations of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) spot checks, risk education sessions, rubble clearance operations, and displays of Libyan-manufactured armoured vehicles. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
