UN News Today 26 December 2025 |

UN deplores ‘heinous’ mosque attack in Nigeria 

The top UN official in Nigeria has strongly condemned the deadly attack on a mosque in the northeastern city of Maiduguri earlier this week.

At least five people were killed, and 35 injured, when a bomb exploded at a packed mosque in the Gamboru market on Wednesday during evening prayers.

While no group has claimed responsibility, Maiduguri is the capital of Borno state where the militant group Boko Haram has operated for more than a decade. 

The UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohamed Fall, joined the state’s Governor in strongly condemning “this heinous attack in a place of worship.” 

He said it was “yet another horrific reminder of the deadly toll of violent attacks in Borno state this year.”

An attack in September killed 50 civilians in Darajamal village.  Targeted attacks have also been carried out on camps hosting displaced persons or on other groups such as farmers and fishermen.

Mr. Fall renewed his call for parties to the conflict “to protect civilians, including those gathered in places of worship, as well as their property.” 

He reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to continue supporting people affected by the conflict in Nigeria’s northeast. 

Guinea: UN rights chief calls for end to pre-election intimidation and violations 

The UN human rights chief warns that civic and political space in Guinea “has been severely restricted” in the lead-up to presidential elections on Sunday – the first since the military seized power in a coup four years ago. 

Volker Türk highlighted intimidation of opposition figures in the West African country, apparent politically motivated enforced disappearances as well as constraints on press freedom. 

He noted that several cases of enforced disappearance remain unresolved, including those of four relatives of artist and opposition figure Elie Kamano who have been missing since 16 November.  

Meanwhile, the fate and whereabouts of Sanassy Keita, a photographer associated with Guinea’s former president Alpha Condé, also remain unknown following his abduction by armed men on 27 November. 

Mr. Türk said that these incidents “intimidate opposition figures, disrupt campaigning and deter voter mobilization”.  Furthermore, “they contribute to a climate of fear” and “risk undermining the credibility of the electoral process.” 

He urged the authorities to conduct prompt and impartial investigations into all allegations of forced disappearances and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

Development deal marks new chapter in UN-Iraq partnership

The United Nations and Iraq have signed a new agreement on sustainable development cooperation covering the next four years.

The deal focuses on four strategic priorities: better access to education, health, and social services; jobs and economic growth, protecting the environment and fighting climate change, as well as good governance and the rule of law.

Speaking at the signing in Baghdad on Thursday, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim said “this partnership reflects Iraq’s dedication to building a brighter future for its people.” 

The move comes as the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) concludes its mandate on 31 December.

A special political mission, UNAMI, was established in 2003 following the fall of Saddam Hussein and has supported Iraq through political transition, post-conflict recovery, and the battle against the terrorist group ISIL, also known as Da’esh. 

UNAMI chief Mohamed Al-Hassan said signing the agreement marks “a natural and honorable transition of the relationship” between the UN and Iraq.

He said that “it reflects an orderly and responsible departure from support to political stability to the stage of consolidating sustainable development partnership”. 

Dianne Penn, UN News