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SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A fire at an auto parts factory in South Korea's central city of Daejeon injured at least 55 people on Friday, with officials warning the toll could rise.

South Korea Fire

The National Fire Agency said 24 were seriously hurt in a blaze likely caused by an explosion. Officials could not immediately confirm whether any of the injured were in life-threatening condition. Nam Deuk-woo, fire chief of the city's Daedeok district, said authorities were searching for at least 14 other people believed to have been inside the facility when the fire broke out.

Videos and photos from the scene showed thick gray smoke billowing from the complex and some workers jumping from a building.

The fire was reported at about 1:18 p.m. Nam said the cause was not immediately known, but the blaze appeared to have spread rapidly, with witnesses reporting an explosion.

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He said the fire destroyed a factory building that firefighters were unable to enter because of concerns it could collapse. Efforts focused on preventing the blaze from spreading to an adjacent facility and removing chemicals from the site. The agency said the facility contained about 200 kilograms (440 pounds) of highly reactive chemicals.

Some people were injured when they jumped from the building to escape, while others suffered from smoke inhalation, Nam said. Police were tracking mobile phone signals of the 14 people still unaccounted-for.

More than 500 firefighters, police and other emergency personnel were deployed, along with about 120 vehicles, evacuation aircraft and equipment, including an unmanned water cannon vehicle and two firefighting robots used in areas difficult for crews to access.

President Lee Jae Myung called for the full mobilization of personnel and equipment to contain the fire and support rescue operations.

After running for six seasons,Peaky Blindershad its epic finale in 2022.

The series centered around the Shelby family and the gang they control, the Peaky Blinders. As the show progressed, the gang and its leader Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) gained more power throughout Birmingham and the rest of England. But as their influence grew, so did their list of enemies.

By the final season, the Blinders face their greatest enemy yet — fascist politician Oswald Mosley, who is aligning himself with Adolf Hitler and Nazism. The Blinders attempt to assassinate Mosley, but the plan is foiled by the IRA (Irish Republican Army), the same group that killed Aunt Polly (Helen McCrory). Her murder causes a massive rift between Tommy and his cousin Michael Gray (Finn Cole).

Mosley's powerful influence is also able to sway Tommy's doctor, Dr. Holford, and convince him to lie to his patient, telling Tommy that he has a deadly disease. Mosley hopes that the fear of a painful death will cause Tommy to die by suicide, thus eliminating a political foe.

What follows is classicPeaky Blindersviolence and scheming as Tommy contends with what to do next, fully believing he will soon die of an incurable sickness.

But the last scene of the finale episode changes everything, and with a sequel film premiering on March 20, it will have massive impacts on where the story goes from here. Here's what happened at the end ofPeaky Blinders.

How didPeaky Blindersend?

In the finale episode, "Lock and Key", Tommy believes he will soon die. His wife and son leave him at the start of the episode, and thinking he doesn't have much time left, Tommy doesn't try to stop them. He also instructs the Blinders to clear out his house before blowing it up, deciding to use the land for affordable public housing after he's dead. Once his house is gone, Tommy plans on living out his last days in a nomadic Vardo wagon.

The ghost of Aunt Polly is also heavily felt in the episode. Tommy's older brother Arthur (Paul Anderson) takes revenge for Polly's death and has a shootout with the IRA. Tommy is also confronted by his cousin Michael, who wants to kill him because he believes Tommy's criminal lifestyle is what put Polly in danger to begin with. Michael attempts to take him out with a bomb, which forces Tommy to shoot and kill Michael instead.

Afterward, Tommy gathers everyone for dinner and says goodbye. He doesn't say where he's going or why he's leaving, but it's made clear that he might be gone for a long time.

At the end of the finale episode, after Tommy has settled his affairs and left his family behind, he's seen living in a wagon in the highlands. Thinking he's going to die soon anyway, he pulls out a gun and prepares to shoot himself. But before he can, he hears the voice of his late daughter Ruby. He has a vision of her standing in the grass and he runs to her. After they embrace, she tells him that he's not actually sick and needs to get warm to stay alive.

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Listening to her words, Tommy grabs a newspaper for kindling to start a fire. But before he ignites it, he notices an article about Mosley's marriage to Diana Mitford. The guest list included Hitler as well as Dr. Holford, the same doctor who gave Tommy his diagnosis. Realizing there was a political alliance between Holford and Mosley all along, Tommy discerns that he isn't actually dying; it was all a lie to get rid of him.

Enraged, he travels to Dr. Holdford's house, intent on killing him. But before he pulls the trigger, the bell tower chimes 11, reminding him of Armistice and reaffirming to him that he is no longer at war, so Tommy decides to spare his life.

He returns to his wagon, only to find that Dr. Holford's groundskeeper has set it on fire. The episode ends with Tommy watching the wagon, along with all of his belongings, burn to the ground as the song "All the Tired Horses" plays.

What happens to Tommy Shelby?

The finale presents two different outlooks for Tommy. On one hand, he has lost everything. His wife and son have left him, many members of his family are dead, he's given away his possessions, destroyed his home and handed over control of the Blinders and his business.

From this angle, Tommy loses everything in the finale — perhaps karma for his life of crime and murder.

But through another lens, Tommy has just gotten a fresh start. Every piece of evidence that connects him to his criminal past is gone. If he so desires, he's free to reinvent himself as a new man with a clean slate.

Where doesPeaky Blindersgo from here?

In June 2024, Netflixconfirmed that aPeaky Blindersfilm was on the way. They broke the news by sharing a picture of the script on X, along with a quote from Murphy, saying, "It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn't finished with me… It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version ofPeaky Blinders. This is one for the fans."

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, seemingly referencing Tommy's uncanny ability to stay alive,takes place during World War IIand sees him return from exile. The movie also introducesBarry Keoghanas Tommy's son all grown up.

The timeline makes a lot of sense since the final season of the show was set in 1933 (just a few years before the Holocaust) and touches upon Mosley's connection with Hitler.

Read the original article onPeople

BeforeVirgin River, there was another popular "fish out of water" series featuring small-town drama and medicine.

Premiering on CBS in 1990,Northern Exposurecenters on Dr. Joel Fleischman (Rob Morrow), a young Jewish physician from New York City who's required to practice medicine in rural Cicely, Ala., for four years as a condition of his student loans. As Joel adjusts to small-town life, he develops close relationships with the eccentric local residents and reluctantly grows to appreciate Cicely's quirks.

Over its six-season run,Northern Exposuretook home seven Emmys, two Golden Globes, and two Peabody Awards. The show continues to maintain a passionate fanbase today, beloved for its unique storytelling style, Indigenous casting, and LGBTQ representation.

Read on to see what Morrow, Barry Corbin,Janine Turner, and the rest of theNorthern Exposurecast has been up to since the series ended in 1995.

Rob Morrow (Joel Fleischman)

After starring alongside Johnny Depp in the filmPrivate Resort(1985), Rob Morrow got his big break when he landed the lead role of the neurotic doc onNorthern Exposure.

After departing midway through the show's final season to focus more on films, he landed the co-lead role in Robert Redford's Oscar-nominated true-scandal hit,Quiz Show(1994), as well as a supporting gig in Albert Brooks'Mother(1996).

Over the past couple of decades, Morrow has scooped up a string of small-screen roles. He headlined the heady crime proceduralNumb3rs(2005–2010), alongside David Krumholtz, and played famed attorney Barry Scheck onThe People vs. O.J. Simpson(2016). He was also a recurring figure onBillions(2016–2023).

In 2018, it was reported that aNorthern Exposurerebootwas in the works, with Morrow in talks to reprise his role. However, there's been little development since.

"We used to talk aboutNorthern Exposuretaking place in a benevolent universe, where all walks of life could coexist," the actor reflected on his rewatch podcast,Northern Disclosure, in 2025. "OnNorthern Disclosure, we aim to capture some of the same fun, decency, wit, and intelligence that made the show so beloved — then and now."

Morrow married actress Debbon Ayer in 1998. The couple has one daughter.

Barry Corbin (Maurice Minnifield)

Barry Corbin played the pompous Maurice, a multi-millionaire businessman, Korean War fighter pilot, and ex-astronaut. Talk about a stacked résumé!

The Texas native has a reputation for playing cowboys, sheriffs, and authority figures. Prior toNorthern Exposure, he racked up supporting roles inWarGames(1983),Urban Cowboy(1980),Stir Crazy(1980), andAny Which Way You Can(1980).

Many fans will also recognize him for his standout scene in the Coen brothers' modern classic,No Country for Old Men(2007). He also recently popped up in a small role in Martin Scorsese'sKillers of the Flower Moon(2023).

The longtime TV veteran, whose career has taken him everywhere fromM*A*S*H(1981) toDallas(1979–1984), has been a regular on a handful of shows lately. The list includesOne Tree Hill(2003–2009),The Ranch(2016–2020), andAnger Management(2012–2014), alongside Charlie Sheen. He also booked recurring roles onBetter Call Saul(2020) andTulsa King(2022-present).

Janine Turner (Maggie O'Connell)

Janine Turner spiced things up in Cicely as the spunky Maggie, a former bush pilot and Joel's landlord (and eventual love interest).

"She's a landlord. She's got courage. She has no pretenses," shetold EW in 1991. "She is who she is and she's not afraid. Sounds like a man's role, doesn't it?"

A veteran ofGeneral Hospitaland a decade's worth of guest spots at the time, Turner moved into a higher echelon withNorthern Exposure, which she landed just after her small role inSteel Magnolias(1989).

She went on to play Sylvester Stallone's love interest inCliffhanger(1993) and June Cleaver herself in theLeave it to Beaver(1997) film adaptation. Contemporary audiences may know her from her recurring arc onFriday Night Lights(2008–2009).

The Emmy-nominated actress has largely pivoted to writing and political commentary in recent decades.

Turner has one daughter with Jerry Jones Jr., son of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

John Cullum (Holling Vincoeur)

John Cullum portrayed Holling, the owner of Cicely's popular bar and restaurant, The Brick.

Arguably the most accomplished member of the cast, Cullum is a highly regarded stage actor in addition to his lengthy television and movie career. He won the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Musical not once, but twice, for Broadway productionsShenandoahandOn the Twentieth Century. In 2007, he was inducted into the Theatre Hall of Fame.

The Knoxville, Tenn., native was a standout as Edward Rutledge in the film adaptation of1776(1972), having already played the role on Broadway. He went on to star in the legendary TV movieThe Day After(1983) and the Ryan Gosling/Kirsten Dunst dramaAll Good Things(2010), a fictionalized version of the true-crime tale later told onThe Jinx(2015).

Over the years, Cullum has also appeared onLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit(2003–2011),Mad Men(2007),30 Rock(2012), andThe Middle(2009–2018), among many others.

The actor was married to Emily Frankel from 1959 until her death in 2024. They had one son.

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Cynthia Geary (Shelly Tambo)

Cynthia Geary earned a pair of Emmy nominations as beauty pageant winner Shelly, the former Miss Northwest Passage.

After getting her career off the ground as Shelly, the Mississippi native was the romantic lead opposite Luke Perry in the rodeo drama8 Seconds(1994) and also appeared in several independent films, includingSmoke Signals(1998).

More recently, she had a recurring role on Netflix's coming-of-age seriesPenelope(2024) as the title character's mother.

Like several of her castmates, Geary has expressed support for the idea of aNorthern Exposurerevival,sharingat a cast reunion in 2017, "We all want it to happen. Darren [Burrows]'s trying, Rob's trying."

The actress has two daughters with her ex-husband, Robert Coron.

John Corbett (Chris Stevens)

Before he was competing for Carrie Bradshaw's affections,John Corbettplanted roots in Cicely as an ex-convict and disc jockey.

BeyondNorthern ExposureandSex and the City, Corbett is widely known forMy Big Fat Greek Wedding(2002) and its two sequels. Contemporary audiences may also recognize him from his fatherly role in Netflix'sTo All the Boystrilogy.

Elsewhere, he was the "other guy" in the Kate Beckinsale/John Cusack rom-comSerendipity(2001) and Kate Hudson's love interest inRaising Helen(2004) before securing a regular gig on Showtime'sUnited States of Tara(2009–2011).

After a recurring stint onParenthood(2011–2015), he reprised Aidan Shaw for theSATCsequel seriesAnd Just Like That…(2023–2025).

Corbett married his longtime girlfriend, Bo Derek, in 2020.

Darren E. Burrows (Ed Chigliak)

Darren E. Burrows played aloof yet kinda-genius Ed, a half-Native Alaskan orphan raised by the Tlingit tribe.

Prior to landing that signature role, the Kansan scored small roles in Brian De Palma'sCasualties of War(1989) and John Waters' teen musicalCry-Baby(1990).

Following his time in small-town Alaska, Burrows appeared in the TV movieThe Siege at Ruby Ridge(1996), alongside Randy Quaid, Laura Dern, and Kirsten Dunst, as well as Steven Spielberg'sAmistad(1997). He later guest-starred onNYPD Blue(1998),The X-Files(1999), andCSI(2009).

In more recent years, the actor landed a role in the ensemble of acclaimed dramaLove Is Strange(2014), alongside John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, and Marisa Tomei, and recently headlined the indieMagpie Funeral(2023).

Burrows married professional chef Melinda Delgado in 1993. The couple shares four children together.

Peg Phillips (Ruth-Anne Miller)

The late Peg Phillips brought some sense to Cicely as the level-headed general store owner, and proud film buff, Ruth-Anne. She was initially conceived as a peripheral recurring role, but was upped to series regular statusafter proving wildly popular with viewers.

Though she had a lifelong ambition for acting, she was a late bloomer in show business, entering the industry in her 60s. There were small parts for a few years, including in the acclaimed River Phoenix indieDogfight(1991) and the Olsen twins'How the West Was Fun(1994). ThenNorthern Exposurenot only made her a fan favorite, but an Emmy nominee.

"I almost didn't audition for the series because ... I don't go out on little cookie jar grandmother things," she said in a 1992interview. "I don't have gray hair, I'm skinny and move too fast. I guess casting directors would see me more as a bag lady."

The Washington native later went on to guest star onSuddenly Susan(1996),7th Heaven(1996–1999), andER(2000).

Phillips, who was married twice, had four children and eight grandchildren. She died of pulmonary disease in 2002 at 84 years old.

Elaine Miles (Marilyn Whirlwind)

Elaine Miles brought the no-nonsense receptionist Marilyn to life.

"It's crazy because when I first auditioned… I had no clue what it was," she saidin a 2020 interview. "I never in my whole life thought I would become an actress. But withNorthern Exposure, that first season, I was in awe the whole time."

Marilyn remains her signature role, but Miles has a few more calling cards as well. She appeared in the Native American indie classicSmoke Signals(1998) as well asThe Business of Fancydancing(2002) and the HBO filmScattering Dad(1998).

The Northwest native scored a supporting role as a sheriff in the Alfre Woodard-led dramaJuanita(2019), then found a huge new audience with a guest appearance onThe Last of Usin the critically acclaimed episode "Kin."

Miles is a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. She has one son.

Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly

Cast members from Hulu's "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" told ABC executives at a meeting earlier this month they had concerns about continuing the show if "MomTok" founder Taylor Frankie Paul remained involved, according to audio obtained by NBC News.

The roughly 30-minute Zoom meeting came on March 7, followingan incidentinvolving Paul and her on-again-off-again partner, Dakota Mortensen. Aspokesperson for the Draper Police Department in Utahsaid earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen from February.

During the call, stars from "Mormon Wives" voiced concerns over thefuture of their careers, the show's brand and the allegations surrounding Paul and Mortensen. They also brought up alleged abuse involving Paul, who has three children, one who she shares with Mortensen.

In 2023, Paul was charged with assault, criminal mischief and domestic violence in the presence of a child, according to Salt Lake County sheriff's records. The arrest stemmed from allegations of a separate domestic violence dispute with Mortensen in 2023, which was part of the storyline in Season One of "Mormon Wives." Court records indicate that Paul pleaded guilty in abeyance to an aggravated assault charge in August 2025, and the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice.

One cast member said they did not feel comfortable filming as long as Paul is being investigated.

"It's a dangerous situation, it's a sad situation, and we don't know how to navigate it, because Taylor is our friend," the cast member said to ABC brass at the virtual meeting.

According to a source with knowledge of the situation, "the purpose of the March 7 zoom was to tell 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' cast that we care about their safety, and they should not feel pressured to do press or film the show."

"The production company engaged a seasoned law firm to conduct an investigation of the competing and conflicting allegations that Taylor and Dakota had toward one another," the source added, "and it would have been inappropriate to engage in a dialogue regarding an ongoing investigation."

There were three Disney executives at the meeting in March, including Rob Mills, the executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television, the person who shared the recording said.

Cast members gave accounts of Paul's alleged behavior at the meeting, according to the audio. Mills said on the call, "I don't know a lot, nor do I want to know too much."

Mills could not speak about the investigation, the source with knowledge of the situation said.

"This is not me putting my head in the sand, but it's not me — you know, I don't want to inquire, because I don't know what that does," Mills later said.

Several cast members repeatedly referenced "distressing" and "upsetting" video recordings of Paul's alleged conduct, but did not detail the contents of them or play them on the call.

A cast member called it "concerning" that no one at Disney or Hulu seemed to want to know what is in the videos.

Hulu executives visited Utah to see "Mormon Wives" film during Season Five, and while there they "witnessed" discussions of domestic violence,NBC News previously reported.

On Thursday,TMZ published a videothat appears to be recorded by Mortensen and shows Paul pushing and kicking Mortensen as he repeatedly asks her to stop, saying, "let me go."

The recording, which does not capture what led up to the interaction, reportedly shows an incident for which Paul was arrested in 2023, according to TMZ.

Paul is also seen throwing three barstools at Mortensen. Shortly after the stool is thrown, her daughter, who was nearby on the sofa during the fight, can be heard crying.

"This is called physical abuse," Mortensen said in the video. When Paul begins hurling the stools at Mortensen, he can be heard saying, "Your daughter is right here."

The video ismentioned in the 2023 indictment against Paul, which notes that Mortensen had "redness and swelling around his eyes, swelling on his elbow, scratches on his fingers, and a laceration on his neck" from the incident. The indictment also notes that in the video, Paul's daughter is struck in the head while she was lying on the couch.

NBC News has not independently verified theTMZ videoand has not viewed the original full video.

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A spokesperson for Paul told NBC News on Thursday, after TMZ released the video, that the recording is the "latest installment of [Mortensen's] never-ending, desperate, attention-seeking, destructive campaign to harm Taylor without any regard for the consequences for their child."

At the meeting, one cast member asked Mills if he's "aware she's hurt a child?" He replied, "I don't think for us getting into it is right."

At the meeting, Mills stressed that the company is "never going to hide anything that is wrong for the sake of business."

He encouraged cast members to speak out about their concerns on the show, but declined to promise that what they said wouldn't be cut in edits.

The cast also expressed concern that Paul got paid more than them, which Mills denied.

Ultimately, the cast agreed to pause filming for "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" until legal action plays out, according to the audio recording.

Paul was set to take the spotlight as lead of ABC's "The Bachelorette" this season, but the networkpulled the plug onThursday.

"In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of 'The Bachelorette' at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family," Disney said in its statement regarding the decision.

There are no current public allegations against Mortensen.

Following news of the cancellation, a spokesperson for Paul said she's "gaining strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm."

"There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives," the spokesperson said. "Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story."

Mills did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday.

Representatives for Disney declined to provide additional statements on the matter.

Several authorities have been reviewing the allegations.

The West Jordan Police Department in Utah confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that the department received a domestic violence allegation via phone call involving Paul, but declined to give details about the allegation or any potential charges. They also did not know the exact date or time of the reported incident.

A police department spokesperson said detectives are working on establishing the facts of the case.

The Draper Police Department in Utah told People earlier this week that there is an open "domestic assault investigation" regarding Paul and Mortensen and that "allegations have been made in both directions." The police spokesperson said that "contact was made with involved parties on [Feb] 24th and 25th."

Reached by NBC News on Monday, the police department declined to confirm the reports of a domestic dispute, saying its practice is "not to release details related to active investigations."

On Thursday, Mortensen, through his attorney, filed for a protective order against Paul. The filing was sent back for a correction and an amended petition, Salt Lake County District Court records show.

During the meeting, Mills suggested "staying close" with the cast as the investigation unfolds to continue the conversation about the future of "Mormon Wives."

"I want this to continue, and I want everyone to continue really being successful, both with this show and and beyond it," Mills told those on the call, "But I think really, just navigating through this thing and taking care of each other is the most important thing right now."

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Nicholas Haysom, a white South African anti-apartheid activist who was tapped by prisoner-turned-presidentNelson Mandelato help draft the country's new constitution that enshrined equal rights for Black people, minorities and white people, has died at 73.

Haysom went on from high-level positions promoting human rights in his home country to a distinguished career as a U.N. diplomat, serving in hot spots from Afghanistan and Iraq to Somalia and South Sudan.

His daughter, Rebecca Haysom, told The Associated Press that he died Tuesday in New York "after a long, valiant battle with heart and lung complications."

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Haysom "devoted his life to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation -- from his central role in South Africa's democratic transition serving as chief legal and constitutional adviser to president Nelson Mandela to years of leadership in U.N. posts in some of the world's most complex and fragile settings."

His legacy "will endure in the peace processes he advanced, the institutions he strengthened, and the principles he helped bring to life around the world," the U.N. chief said in a statement.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa,a former anti-apartheid activist, said the country mourns "a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place."

"I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our constitution," Ramaphosa said in a statement urging South Africans "to honor his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently."

He came from a family that believed in equality

Nicholas Roland Leybourne "Fink" Haysom grew up in Durban in a liberal family that believed in racial equality, especially his mother who was an activist against apartheid. At university, he said he became a critic of apartheid as well and decided to go to law school at the Universities of Natal and Cape Town to tackle the conditions of how people lived.

He went on to become president of the anti-apartheid National Union of South African Students and he said in a U.N. interview last year that he was arrested or detained about half a dozen times, once serving six months in solitary confinement in about 1980. Ramaphosa said he also had a creative side: He was South African Playwright of the Year in 1987.

Nobody at that time thought apartheid would end, Haysom said, and it was a "tremendous moment" when Mandela was released in 1990. At the time, Haysom was a member of a very activist human rights law firm.

The African National Congress, which Mandela led, asked Haysom to join its Constitutional Commission, and he said he spent several years with "a very exciting group of intellectuals" conceptualizing the new South Africa, and negotiating with the National Party, which instituted and enforced the apartheid system of racial segregation, on how to get there.

Having been a pariah in much of the world, Haysom said the group wanted to find the perfect formula for a constitutional state that appreciated the need for equality among all its citizens and recreated a social contract "which we wanted to be a lesson for the world." It wasn't easy, he said, but "the South African constitution is still regarded as perhaps one of the most progressive constitutions in the world."

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"And I think that's what led to me being asked to be Mandela's legal adviser ... while he was president," Haysom said, a position he held from 1994 to 1999.

Mandela wanted to set an example for the first post-apartheid government to respect the law, Haysom said, "and he was really at the forefront of creating a society built on respect for legal equality and human rights."

He saw Mandela every morning and said he was "tremendously gracious."

"But he was steely, strong in the conviction he had that he was embarking on the right path, and he persevered," Haysom said. "As I say to my children, the lesson of Mandela is not just being a nice person, it's perseverance in your ideals that'll change the world."

He worked across the decades to end ethnic discord

Under Mandela, Haysom joined a team that helped end ethnic violence in Burundi between Hutus and Tutsis in the 1990s. He then was asked to try to find a formula to restore peace in Sudan between the north and south, which eventually led to South Sudan seceding and becoming an independent country in 2011.

Haysom then spent from 2005 to 2007 in Iraq trying to find a formula for its communities — Shia, Sunni and Kurd — to live together, an issue he saw in all conflicts. From 2007 to 2012, he served in then-U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's office as director for political, peacekeeping and humanitarian affairs. He then spent four years in Afghanistan from 2012 to 2016 in two U.N. roles.

Most of the rest of his U.N. career was focused on Sudan and South Sudan, where he had been head of the peacekeeping mission since 2021 except for a brief stint in Somalia. He was ordered to leave by the Somali government in 2019 after questioning the arrest of a former leader of the al-Shabab extremist group.

Haysom is survived by his wife Delphine and their two sons Charles and Hector, as well as his three older children, Rebecca, Simone, and Julian, from his previous marriage to Mary Ann Cullinan.

Haysom said there was a time when he was "quite probably inappropriately proud" of his efforts particularly in Burundi, Sudan and South Africa, but after a few years all those peace agreements were in trouble.

It's a recognition, he said, that peace doesn't last forever and democracy requires "constant engagement by people of good intention."

Gerald Imray contributed to this report from Cape Town, South Africa