Terrorist attacks in Mali & other topics - Daily Briefing (2 October 2019)

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

Highlights:
- Mali
- Security Council
- Iraq
- Mexico
- Bahamas
- Malaysia
- World Food Programme
- UNHCR - Nansen Refugee award
Mali
Our colleagues in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Mali said today they are dismayed by the toll of the simultaneous terrorist attacks on a Malian G5 Sahel unit position in Boulkessi and the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) in Mondoro, that took place on 30 September and 1st of October 2019 in central Mali. 
The Mission condemns with the utmost energy these attacks, following a General Assembly, where security in Mali and the Sahel was given an important place on the agenda of several high-level meetings attended by Heads of State of the region. The Mission – and all of us, extend our deepest condolences to the Government of Mali and the grieving families. The Mission wishes a speedy recovery to all those injured. 

Security Council
The Security Council held an open meeting this morning on the theme of “Peace and Security in Africa: Mobilizing the Youth towards Silencing the Guns by 2020.”
Addressing Council members, the Secretary-General’s Special Adviser on Africa, Bience Gawanas, noted that nearly 20 per cent of Africa’s 1.2 billion people are between the ages of 15 and 24.
She stressed that, if the right investments are made, and their social and political and economic engagement recognized and nurtured, societies may repay peace dividend.
Ms. Gawanas pointed out that, across Africa, youth are demanding urgent action and are making their voices heard. Young people are at the centre of pro-democracy movements, effectively mobilizing, organizing, leading and clamoring for inclusive and accountable governance, youth participation and economic opportunities for all.
Full Highlights: