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Reporters press UN on alleged mercenary use in Sudan, SG selection transparency and recent arrests; UN reiterates calls for de‑escalation
Summary
During the briefing reporters asked about an AP story alleging conscripted teenagers were trained by Colombian mercenaries, the transparency of the secretary‑general selection process, arrests of pro‑Palestinian protesters in London, and a deadly attack near Kryvyi Rih. The UN spokesperson condemned mercenary involvement and urged de‑escalation.
Reporters raised multiple questions at the UN briefing. An Associated Press story alleging that teenagers conscripted by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces were trained by Colombian mercenaries prompted Farhan to say the UN has ‘‘taken a stand’’ against mercenaries contributing to the worsening of fighting and to emphasize the need to prevent outside engagement that further militarizes conflicts.
On the process to select the next secretary‑general, the spokesman said the secretariat will not discuss candidates and reiterated that the selection is conducted first by the Security Council and then by the General Assembly under the UN Charter, while encouraging as much transparency as member states will allow. On London arrests of pro‑Palestinian activists, the spokesman declined to comment on national legal processes but said countries should allow freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Asked about a reported deadly attack near Kryvyi Rih, the spokesman said the secretary‑general's public call for urgent de‑escalation and an unconditional ceasefire reflects what he would say directly.
