The Secretary-General condemns the violence that erupted in Bangui, Central African Republic, on 1 May, resulting in at least 22 people dead and over 100 injured. Two MINUSCA staff were also injured in subsequent violence.

Dear friends around the world,

Happy New Year.

When I took office one year ago, I appealed for 2017 to be a year for peace.

Unfortunately – in fundamental ways, the world has gone in reverse.

On New Year’s Day 2018, I am not issuing an appeal.

Our world faces many grave challenges.

Widening conflicts and inequality.

Extreme weather and deadly intolerance.