Overview
During Japan’s presidency of the Security Council in July, Council members will hold their first straw poll to gauge the viability of candidates that have been nominated for the position of the next Secretary-General. Several informal meetings with candidates are also expected.
Japan has organised two open debates during its July presidency: one on Security Council working methods and another at ministerial-level on post-conflict peacebuilding in Africa. There will be discussions on several other African issues this month:
- Central African Republic, discussion of MINUSCA’s strategic review ahead of the mission’s mandate renewal;
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, an update on MONUSCO activities;
- Somalia, the renewal of AMISOM’s authorisation and discussion of the 751/1907 sanctions regime;
- South Sudan, the renewal of UNMISS;
- West Africa and the Sahel, an update on UNOWAS activities; and
- Western Sahara, an update on when MINURSO will return to full functionality.
Council members will continue to monitor developments on the Syria political, humanitarian and chemical weapons tracks. Other Middle East issues that will be considered this month are:
- Iran and non-proliferation, discussion of the 2231 implementation report;
- Iraq, the renewal of UNAMI;
- Israel/Palestine, the quarterly open debate; and
- Lebanon, an update on UNIFIL activities.
The Council will meet on UNFICYP in Cyprus ahead of the mission’s mandate renewal in July.
Finally, Council members will also be following developments in Colombia following the 20 June signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement. Resolution 2261 requested that the Secretary-General provide the Council with recommendations for a political mission to monitor the ceasefire within 30 days of the signature of the agreement.
