UNIFIL, Lebanon, Palestine & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (12 May 2026) | United Nations

Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. Highlights: • Secretary-General Travel • UNIFIL • Lebanon/Humanitarian • Occupied Palestinian Territory • Sudan • Ukraine • Security Council • International Day SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVEL In Nairobi today, the Secretary-General participated in the opening session of the "Africa Forward Summit: Africa-France Partnerships for Innovation and Growth", co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Kenyan President William Ruto.  In his remarks, the Secretary-General said that the title for this conference is apt, given that Africa is a driver of global change: "This is not a continent waiting for solutions. This is a continent producing them,” he said.  He underscored Africa’s efforts in reforming an international system that was designed largely without African voices and continues to operate without adequate representation from the continent.   The Secretary-General said that Africa’s obstacles include collapsing aid budgets, borrowing costs twice those of wealthy nations, 600 million people without electricity, and a climate crisis that Africa did not cause but suffers from disproportionately.  In closing, he pushed for increased partnership - one that is equal, mutually beneficial, and generational. When Africa succeeds, the whole world wins, he said.   On the sidelines of the summit, the Secretary-General held a number of bilateral discussions. With President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, he exchanged views on the recent developments in the Sahel. He also commended the president on his efforts to promote regional security and cooperation.  Later, the Secretary-General met the President of Egypt, Abdelfattah Al Sisi.  They discussed the situations in Sudan, Libya and the Middle East. The Secretary-General expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s constructive diplomatic engagement to resolve regional issues.  About an hour ago, the Secretary-General left Nairobi for Addis Ababa to attend the annual AU/UN conference.   UNIFIL UNIFIL peacekeepers have reported a concerning increase in drone activity, particularly in Sector West. Over the past 24 hours, peacekeepers observed multiple drones flying over or near UN positions in Shama, Al Mansouri, Al Bayada, and between Ramyah and Beit Lif. An armed quadcopter exploded after crossing Al Bayada hill. At this stage, UNIFIL has not confirmed the origin of the drones observed. Separately yesterday, three presumed Hizbullah drones impacted an area near UNIFIL’s headquarters in Naqoura where Israel Defense Forces troops were present. No UN property was damaged and no peacekeepers were injured. An additional drone crashed inside the headquarters area on Sunday; it was unarmed, and an investigation into its origin is ongoing. Preliminary findings indicate the drone was of Iranian manufacture, suggesting it was a Hezbollah asset. UNIFIL continues to remind all actors to avoid operating in proximity to United Nations positions and personnel, and urges all parties to refrain from actions that could endanger peacekeepers. UNIFIL has protested the presence and activities of Israeli soldiers and vehicles near its headquarters to the Israel Defense Forces, and the activities of non‑state actors near UN positions to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Peacekeepers continue to report extensive Israel Defense Forces military activity across the area of operations, including high‑density armored movements, large‑scale engineering and demolition works, and sustained logistical traffic. Yesterday, peacekeepers recorded 340 launches of projectiles attributed to the Israel Defense Forces and 11 attributed to non-state actors in Lebanon, including Hizbullah. Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date=2026-05-12


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