Security Council

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen backed the creation of a European Security Council on Wednesday to address growing threats to peace. • The proposed council would include leaders from the EU, Britain, Norway, Ukraine, and Canada, with permanent seats for large nations like Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and Poland. • This initiative aims to establish a coordinated "playbook" to defend the continent against sabotage and security risks.

• The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to address rising violence in Yemen and threats to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait shipping route. • UN agencies reported that nearly 100,000 people have been displaced since fighting intensified earlier this month, with thousands fleeing to Djibouti. • Continued insecurity threatens commercial shipping and humanitarian aid for nearly half of Yemen's 41 million people who currently need assistance.

• France, serving as the President of the Security Council for September, announced a work programme focused on addressing critical issues in Haiti, Iran, and Sudan. • The agenda was detailed by the French representative during a press conference held at the UN Headquarters. • This scheduling is significant as it coincides with the upcoming gathering of world leaders for the General Assembly.

• A top UN official addressed the Security Council on Thursday regarding Syria's ongoing transition and rebuilding efforts following more than a decade of war. • Key developments mentioned include the recent dissolution of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces and the United States' decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism. • The official warned that while progress is being made, international support remains critical to tackling the country's outstanding challenges.

• UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher briefed the Security Council, warning that Sudan is suffering from a critical "lack of action" regarding its humanitarian crisis. • The relief effort is currently supported by ten major donors, with the United States providing nearly half of the total funding. • Other key contributors include the EU, Africa Development Bank, UK, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, and Norway.

• The UN Security Council received updates on Libya's deteriorating situation, characterized by a political impasse that continues to delay long-planned national elections. • Recent escalations include armed clashes and drone strikes that resulted in a major oil refinery being set ablaze, threatening critical infrastructure. • An activist warned the Council that political division and insecurity are colliding with environmental shocks, including extreme heat and water scarcity, to create a severe peace and security crisis.

• The UN Security Council held an open debate on Thursday to address escalating military clashes and deadly attacks in Yemen. • Recent Houthi missile strikes targeting Saudi Arabia and commercial shipping vessels have intensified regional tensions linked to the US-Iran conflict. • These developments threaten to collapse the 2022 truce between the Houthi militia and the Yemeni government, further destabilizing the region.