S/PV.10047 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali and Senegal to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2025/718, which contains the text of a letter dated 6 November 2025 from the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations addressed to the Secretary-General. I warmly welcome the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, and I give him the floor.

I thank the presidency of the Council for the month, Sierra Leone, for convening this important meeting, and I thank His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership and tireless commitment to regional peace and stability. We meet at a moment of profound urgency. The security situation in West Africa and the Sahel is growing more critical by the day. The recent developments in Mali are a clear reminder of what is at stake. Since September, the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has disrupted fuel supplies along key corridors into Bamako. In the past months, terrorists have continued to attack military-escorted convoys, killing and kidnapping both soldiers and civilians. This is causing enormous hardship for the population, as fuel and the goods, markets and basic services that rely on it are in short supply. In some cases, vital humanitarian operations, including life-saving United Nations operations, have been forced to reduce services owing to fuel shortages. If the situation continues, the consequences could be deadly for people who depend on these life-saving programmes. Despite these challenges, hundreds of trucks were finally able to enter Bamako last week, and more fuel stations have seen more supplies in recent days. But the situation remains stark — for Mali but also for Burkina Faso and to a lesser extent the Niger. Established groups expand their reach. Several coastal States are under threat. We face the risk of a disastrous domino effect across the entire region. Many countries are reeling. Terrorism in the Sahel is not only a regional dramatic reality — progressive links of its groups with other groups in Africa and beyond make it a growing global threat. The Sahel countries were already near the bottom of the human development index, suffering from high levels of poverty, weak institutions and the disastrous effects of climate change. Against this fragile backdrop, armed groups and terrorist networks continue to exert pressure on government forces — from the JNIM to the According to the Global Terrorism Index, 5 of the 10 countries most affected by terrorism are in the Sahel. The Sahel accounts for 19 per cent of global terrorist attacks and more than half of global terrorism-related casualties. This violence and instability are unleashing massive suffering. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, approximately 4 million people are now displaced across Burkina Faso, Mali, the Niger and neighbouring countries, and 14,800 schools have closed across the Sahel, along with more than 900 health facilities, leaving millions without critical care. I see three areas of urgent action. First, this regional crisis demands a regional response — one that is unified, coherent and consensus-based. With countries leaving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), now is the time for dialogue and collaboration among all countries to strengthen the security and political cooperation architecture in the region. This means bridging the communication, coordination and trust gaps between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States, with the support of the African Union and the United Nations. It means restructuring the Accra Initiative and strengthening the Multinational Joint Task Force, which remains the only functioning platform for cooperation on regional security in Lake Chad. It means confidence-building with regional neighbours, such as Mauritania and Algeria, to address the security threat in a coordinated way. It means the Council supporting all efforts to rebuild trust and strengthen international and regional security cooperation, including among ECOWAS, the Confederation of Sahel States and other key countries. And it means collaborating through the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact and the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy to share intelligence, strengthen financial tracking and disrupt the financing and criminality that fund terrorism. I am aware of the serious political differences that exist in the region, but it is absolutely essential that, despite these differences, we build a platform of cooperation among the intelligence and security services of the countries of ECOWAS, the Confederation of Sahel States, Mauritania, Chad and Algeria to allow for coordinated action against terrorism. We must also confront a stark fact: the lack of dedicated financial resources to coordinate an appropriate regional response. I recall with deep regret the lack of consensus as far back as 2017 on providing predictable and sustainable financing for the Group of Five for the Sahel initiative, namely through United Nations assessed contributions. In hindsight, this has proven to be a strategic error, with clear and dramatic consequences not only for the Sahel but for the region and international peace and security. We cannot afford to make the same mistakes again. Secondly, humanitarian needs must be met. I call on Member States to maintain strong financial support for humanitarian response plans in the region. The six humanitarian appeals in the Sahel and Lake Chad basin for 2025, which require a combined $4.9 billion, remain severely underfunded. So far, less than one quarter of this has been raised and only approximately half of what was available at this time last year. The humanitarian response plan for Mali in particular is only 16 per cent fulfilled — among the lowest coverage rates worldwide. The world needs to stand in full solidarity with the people of this region, who are enduring a desperate level of hardship and suffering. Predictable, timely and flexible funding is vital to sustain hope and enable rapid recovery for the region and the people who call it home. Thirdly, we need a coherent development strategy that addresses the root causes of terrorism. Terrorists thrive wherever the social contract has broken down. When families sink into poverty and young people have neither school nor work, extremism gains ground. When governance breaks down, development stalls, public services deteriorate, human rights are violated, communities are marginalized and citizens lose faith in their institutions, terrorists exploit these grievances. Repairing these fractures, investing in broad and equitable development and turning despair into positive prospects are our best defences against radicalization. This requires effective solidarity from the international community to help countries to combat hunger and poverty, invest in sustainable and inclusive health and education systems and climate change adaptation and strengthen social protection and essential services. It requires strengthening economic opportunities and resilience and working with the private sector to create jobs and sustainable livelihoods so that everyone can look to the future with hope rather than fear. This means expanding civic space to allow everyone to make their voice heard and building accountable institutions and governance frameworks based on equality and inclusion. It also means establishing effective judicial systems based on the rule of law and defending human rights. As we strive to respond to the crisis in the Sahel, the United Nations remains committed to working with the countries of the region through my Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Mr. Leonardo Santos Simão, and through the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact, led by the Office of Counter-Terrorism. Through coordinated efforts, strong political will and the support of Member States and the Council, we can deliver the security, stability and opportunities that the people of West Africa and the Sahel need and so deserve.

I thank the Secretary-General for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Touray. Mr. Touray: I thank President Bio for giving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) the opportunity to take part in this briefing on the theme of peace consolidation in West Africa and enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel. Whereas terrorism was initially confined to the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin regions, today it poses an existential threat to the whole of West Africa — both the Sahel and coastal States alike. Our most recent data has shown that from January to November 2025, approximately 450 terrorist incidents were recorded across the region, resulting in close to 2,000 deaths. Although the Central Sahel accounted for approximately 80 per cent of all incidents and more than 85 per cent of total fatalities, the whole of West Africa and, indeed, the entire African region, remain exposed to the threat. In addition to the wanton killing of innocent civilians, terrorist groups have waged a new form of economic warfare. They have now been restricting the supply and distribution of vital commodities such as petrol. This restriction disrupts regional trade, slows down economic activities and inflicts serious hardship on populations . A recognition of the fact that no one can fight terrorism alone underpins counter- terrorism efforts in the region, especially the drive to accelerate the operationalization and deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force. It is in this context that ECOWAS Ministers of Defence and Finance recently met to agree on the activation of the Standby Force. The plan is to start with a brigade of 1,650 personnel and gradually increase it to 5,000. The Ministers also agreed on a funding mechanism that will consist essentially of member States’ own resources and support from partners and the United Nations, under resolution 2719 (2023). Besides region-wide efforts, we have seen several other initiatives, such as the Accra Initiative, the Nouakchott Process and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). Some of these initiatives, such as the MNJTF, have achieved important results. However, what we have recognized is that the proliferation of several other initiatives has resulted in a multiplicity and a fragmentation of efforts. It has also caused problems of coordination, inclusion and ownership. Our proposal is to have ECOWAS coordinate the various initiatives and use them as operational frameworks. This will streamline efforts, build inclusion and promote ownership. If coordination and collaboration among different initiatives is critical to counter- terrorism efforts, trust among Member States is a prerequisite for, and a cornerstone of, collaboration. Trust is needed for countries to collaborate in information- and intelligence-sharing, joint border patrols and joint operations. Unfortunately, the situation in our region is characterized by mistrust and a high-level of suspicion among stakeholders. Therefore, I would like to call on members of the Council and, indeed, on the international community as a whole, to help us to build trust. No amount of money and no amount of equipment will help us to overcome terrorism if we do not collaborate and build synergy; this can be built only if we build trust. Our current differences should not be exploited; they should be bridged. This is what ECOWAS is trying to do by staying engaged with our brothers and sisters from the Confederation of Sahel States. It is in this context that ECOWAS and Confederation countries have agreed to maintain the status quo with respect to trade and the free movement of people in the region, pending the conclusion of a new agreement. The three countries have also indicated their intention to remain members of some ECOWAS agencies, notably the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money-Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development. Membership of GIABA is particularly important because collaboration on counter-terrorism must include measures to cut funding to terrorist groups, whose resource mobilization schemes include the extraction of illicit resources, kidnapping for ransom, theft, trafficking, funding from support networks and money laundering, the use of cash and informal transfer systems and the use of emerging channels such as cryptocurrencies, mobile money and online fraud schemes. Together and within the framework of GIABA, West African States have broadened their counter-terrorism efforts to include measures that seek to cut off funding to terrorist organizations. These include the building of regulatory frameworks in line with the Financial Action Task Force’s 40 recommendations, regional coordination, experience-sharing, the integration and adoption of global efforts, and operational support to bolster enforcement. Despite considerable progress in this area, formidable challenges persist, including enforcement capacity deficits, regulatory gaps, border porosity and chronically inadequate funding. The extraordinarily low rate of prosecutions for financing terrorism indicates that financiers continue to operate with substantial impunity, despite improved frameworks. In conclusion, allow me to reiterate ECOWAS leaders’ commitment to strengthening counter-terrorism initiatives that consist of both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. These initiatives must be underpinned by broader collaboration among all stakeholders. We must build trust to optimize collaboration and results, not only in respect of kinetic operations but also in terms of non-kinetic efforts, such as cutting off the sources of financing for terrorist groups. Because terrorism threatens

I thank Mr. Touray for his briefing. I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone. I address the Council today with a profound sense of urgency and, hopefully, of shared alarm. Sierra Leone convened this briefing not just to discuss a regional crisis but also to defend a principle: that maintaining international peace and security is a collective responsibility and that peace in Africa is not a favour to be granted but the foundation of global stability. However, we meet at a time when silence — deafening silence — has fallen over a region in anguish. During the high-level week of the eightieth session of the General Assembly, the world spoke about many priorities. Yet, very little was said about the escalating insecurity in the Sahel and parts of West Africa. That silence must now be broken. Despite the courage and commitment of Member States in the region, the threat of terrorism and violent extremism continues to outpace our collective response. Today’s discussion is, therefore, not about the Sahel alone — it is about our shared future, the credibility of multilateralism and the soul of international peace and security. I thank the Secretary-General and Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for their insightful briefings and steadfast leadership. I also warmly welcome the representatives of Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger. Their presence reflects courage, commitment and the will to engage, and we must seize this opportunity for renewed partnership. In recent weeks, I held frank and forward-looking discussions with the Secretary- General, on the situation in Mali in particular. I am encouraged by his personal commitment and by the continuing support of the United Nations in tackling our region’s security, humanitarian and development challenges. Yet the picture before us is stark. What began as a localized threat has metastasized into the epicentre of global terrorism. Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, Al-Qaida and their affiliates now operate with unprecedented sophistication and reach. They are not just attacking States — they are attempting to dismantle States. We must also confront the uncomfortable truth: the destabilization of Libya in 2011 unleashed a torrent of arms, disorder and militant expansion across the Sahel. Today’s insecurity is, in part, the result of yesterday’s global choices. We are not here to apportion blame — because there is enough to go around — but to shoulder our shared responsibility for the consequences. Behind every statistic lies a human story: families uprooted, children conscripted, women violated, communities impoverished. This is not simply a security crisis; it is a crisis of governance, of opportunity and of justice. Sierra Leone knows too well, from bitter experience, that peace cannot be imposed by force alone. It must be cultivated through inclusion, trust and hope. That is why we champion a comprehensive approach, combining military effort with governance reforms, service delivery and economic renewal. Security must be paired with legitimacy. I speak today not only as President of Sierra Leone, but as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, representing more than 424 million citizens bound by history, culture and destiny. ECOWAS was born not out of convenience, but conviction — the conviction that our peace, prosperity and Our region has stood shoulder to shoulder with the United Nations in some of its greatest tests: brokering peace in Liberia and Sierra Leone, leading health emergency responses and supporting democratic transitions. Yet today that trust is being tested. The absence of a credible, coordinated international response has left our people asking: does global solidarity still hold meaning? The Charter of the United Nations obliges us to act in the face of threats to peace. Terrorism in the Sahel is such a threat. And as we all know, when Africa’s peace is threatened, the world cannot remain safe. If Africa burns, the world will feel the heat. I would like to present three clear messages to the Council and to the international community. The first is on democratic governance and regional unity. Sierra Leone and ECOWAS remain steadfast in defending democratic norms, constitutional order and the rule of law. We have maintained a principled stance of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. But principle must walk with pragmatism. We must engage directly with affected States, rebuild trust and support nationally owned transition processes. The peoples of Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger are our neighbours and kin. We share geography and destiny. ECOWAS has therefore kept its doors open, preserving dialogue, people-to-people ties and technical cooperation. We will continue to do so until full reintegration is possible. Political transitions must never obstruct cooperation on shared security. The second point is on the fight against terrorism and violent extremism. The time for declarations has passed. This is the moment for bold and coordinated action. More than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide now occur in our region. If we fail to act decisively, the Sahel could become a permanent sanctuary for extremist enclaves, just hours away from major global cities. These groups, aided by criminal networks and sophisticated weaponry, often outgun national forces and exploit porous borders. Intelligence-sharing, air mobility, logistics and surveillance support are not optional; they are essential tools for protection and hope. The third point concerns regional security coordination. ECOWAS has already taken decisive steps, including initiating the activation of the ECOWAS Standby Force. Sierra Leone has agreed to host the ECOWAS logistics depot in Lungi, an operational hub for peace support and counter-terrorism operations. However, no regional force can succeed in isolation. Resolution 2719 (2023) opened the door for predictable and sustainable United Nations support for African Union-led peace support operations. That door must now be walked through. We therefore call on the Secretariat and the African Union to work with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in implementing resolution 2719 (2023) to establish the mandate, secure the funding and deploy the assets required. The credibility of the United Nations collective security framework depends on timely action. We acknowledge that the Council has provided a strong normative framework through resolutions 1373 (2001), 2178 (2014), 2370 (2017), 2482 (2019) and 2719 (2023). To move from mandates to means, Sierra Leone, as Chair of ECOWAS, proposes an ECOWAS-United Nations-African Union compact for peace and resilience in the Sahel. This is a coordinated mechanism to align security, governance and humanitarian action. This compact would ensure predictable financing, coherent operations and measurable outcomes across the Sahel and the wider West Africa. We must also confront the widening trust deficit between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States, between global partners and between former colonizers and independent States. That gap can divide us, or it can be closed through renewed We must dismantle the financial architecture of terrorism. The illicit trade in arms, illicit substances, minerals and people fuels instability. Stronger border controls, customs enforcement and cooperation with INTERPOL, AFRIPOL and the Financial Action Task Force are essential. But as we dismantle networks of violence, we must build networks of resilience. Our youth and women are the front line of prevention, peacebuilding and recovery. They must be empowered and included at every level of response. The humanitarian toll is staggering. Displacement is rising, livelihoods are collapsing, and millions face despair. The international community must expand humanitarian support, protect access and link emergency aid to long-term recovery. Ultimately, no strategy will succeed without rebuilding trust between States and between governments and citizens. Transitions must be credible and inclusive. The social contract must be renewed through justice, transparency and opportunity. The people of West Africa and the Sahel do not ask for pity; they simply ask for partnership. They deserve to live in dignity, free from fear and full of hope, with unity of purpose, political will and genuine solidarity. That future is within reach. Sierra Leone, as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, pledges continued leadership and partnership with the African Union, the United Nations and all global allies to restore peace and chart a new path forward. This is not just West Africa’s crisis; it is a global test of leadership, solidarity and resolve. History will remember not the scale of our challenges but the strength of our cooperation and resolve. Let us not leave this Chamber with more words, but with renewed will — the will to act, the will to heal and to restore hope. If we rise together today, we will not only save nations, but we will also restore the faith that the United Nations still means what its name proclaims. The time for sustained, collective action is now. I resume my functions as President of the Council.

I thank you, Mr. President, for presiding over this important meeting. I also thank our briefers: Secretary-General Guterres and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States, Mr. Touray. As we speak, Al-Qaida-affiliated terrorists in the Sahel have paralysed Mali with a fuel blockade. The situation is dire there. We see Al-Qaida aiming to take over the entire country. The United States acknowledges the counter-terrorism efforts of the Malian Armed Forces against these and other terrorist organizations, such as Islamic State in Iraq and the Sham (ISIS) Sahel, but the situation is worsening quickly. We remain deeply concerned about the incidents of kidnapping and hostage-taking across the Sahel as a means to finance these terrorist activities. Since the veto of the United Nations sanctions regime in 2023 (see S/PV.9408), it has been deeply disappointing to see Mali’s security situation unfortunately continue to deteriorate. That decision removed critical tools from the international community on which it relied to promote accountability and stability. The result has been an uptick — a massive surge — in violence, a shrinking space for dialogue and a growing risk for civilians across the country and the region. This is happening. It is undeniable, and it is unacceptable. The United States condemns these attacks in the strongest terms and demands accountability. As President Trump has made clear, we will not stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria. The Government of Nigeria must take immediate steps and do more to increase security, respond to early warnings, end impunity and address the drivers of violence. We need to see African leadership on these matters, and we need to see a coordinated response among all countries in the region. The situation is critical. The United States will continue to work with regional partners to counter these common threats.

I commend Sierra Leone for taking the initiative to convene this important meeting, and welcome you, Mr. President, to New York to preside over it. I thank Secretary-General António Guterres and President Touray for their briefings. I welcome the representatives of the countries of the region to the meeting. At present, in West Africa and the Sahel, terrorist and extremist forces and transnational criminal groups are intensifying their collusion and rampant activities, further worsening the security situation. The international community needs to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with regional countries and provide greater support for peace consolidation in the region. I wish to make three points. First, it is important to enhance the counter-terrorism capacity of the countries of the region. In the face of the increasingly complex and severe counter-terrorism landscape, only by building professional, efficient and well-equipped security forces can West African countries effectively combat terrorist forces and truly reverse the situation. The international community must embrace common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and provide tailored assistance to regional countries to close the gaps in funding, intelligence, equipment and logistics, among others. As counter-terrorism capacity-building concerns the internal affairs of States, the international community, when providing assistance, must fully respect the sovereignty and the leadership of the countries concerned and support regional countries in adopting policies and actions suited to their national circumstances. Secondly, it is important to strengthen common security in West Africa. Recently, terrorist groups have launched frequent attacks using drones and other new weapons, expanding their reach towards the West African coast, while exerting pressure on the countries concerned through fuel blockades, armed kidnappings and other means. This is deeply concerning. As various security threats are increasingly interconnected, regional countries must coordinate and cooperate in their response. The international community should support regional mechanisms such as the Economic Community of West African States, the Confederation of Sahel States and the Multinational Joint Task Force in strengthening collaboration and enhancing Thirdly, it is important to focus on the sustainable development of regional countries. Some countries in West Africa and the Sahel have weak economic foundations and inadequate social services, which provide a breeding ground for terrorist organizations to spread extremist ideologies and recruit members. To achieve lasting peace and stability in the region, it is essential to address social and economic challenges and eliminate the root causes of terrorism. The international community should not only focus on short-term support such as humanitarian assistance, but also on long-term investments in areas such as poverty alleviation, employment and infrastructure to help regional countries enhance their capacity for sustainable development. Special attention should be paid to the development of youth by providing them with education and vocational skills training, as well as employment and entrepreneurship support, guiding them to play a role in conflict prevention and resolution, and reducing the impact of terrorism on young people. China always firmly supports Africa’s peace and security and resolutely opposes terrorism in all its forms. For a long time, through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the United Nations peace and development trust fund, China has supported countries in West Africa and the Sahel in strengthening capacity-building and conducting counter-terrorism operations, which have been warmly welcomed by regional countries. Guided by the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, China will work with the international community to enhance counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel and make greater contributions to peace and security in the region and across Africa.

I thank you, President Bio, for convening this meeting and for your leadership on this issue. I also thank the Secretary-General and Mr. Touray for briefing us today. The United Kingdom shares the concern that the Islamic State and Al-Qaida affiliates are continuing to expand across West Africa and the Sahel, driving instability and committing deadly attacks against civilians. The ongoing fuel blockade in Mali imposed by Al-Qaida affiliate Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin illustrates the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by these groups. I will make three points. First, regional security and political cooperation are critical to addressing the threat of terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. We welcome the increased engagement between States in the region and encourage the members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Confederation of Sahel States to continue deepening dialogue. We also welcome the efforts of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel to facilitate cooperation. Regionally led security initiatives can play an important role in tackling the threat of terrorism. We welcome the work towards a standby force to enable rapid deployment to counter shared threats and the work to build on the Multinational Joint Task Force and the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy. We also note that the landmark resolution 2719 (2023) offers a potential tool through United Nations support to African Union-led peace operations. Secondly, the United Kingdom remains committed to working with African partners and supporting African-led initiatives to promote stability and security. United Kingdom support includes funding and training for Nigeria’s National Thirdly, to defeat terrorism and insecurity, we must tackle their drivers. This includes improving governance, reducing poverty, countering disinformation, protecting civic space and tackling climate change. Without progress in these areas, conflict and terrorism will continue to destroy local communities and disrupt livelihoods, with disproportionate harm to women and children. The United Kingdom remains committed to working with partners to address these drivers.

Let me also thank Secretary-General Guterres and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Touray, for their truly insightful remarks. I thank them for demonstrating the interconnected nature of the security threats facing West Africa and the Sahel and for their recommendations on how to face them. I would also like to recognize the participation in this meeting of the countries of the region. We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and the dire humanitarian consequences of the violence. These challenges transcend borders, reminding us that instability anywhere is a threat to stability everywhere. I will raise three points. First, regional cooperation forms the backbone of any effort to confront the fluid, cross-border nature of terrorism. ECOWAS is well-placed as a regional actor, bringing together the collective strength of the region. For this approach to be effective, all regional actors must support a comprehensive regional approach and coordinated effort. In this regard, we strongly encourage Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger to recommit to international and regional cooperation, including with ECOWAS and the African Union. The development of a joint regional counter-terrorism strategy, with support from the United Nations, would constitute a strong step forward. Such a strategy should align with the existing efforts of ECOWAS and with other regional initiatives, such as a revitalized Accra Initiative, and should also consider the approach of the Multinational Joint Task Force. It is in the national security interest of all of us to tackle terrorism in a manner consistent with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We should have effective response mechanisms in place that are compliant with the rule of law to counter the threat when it materializes into planning and attacks. Failure to uphold human rights and the rule of law will only further erode trust in national authorities, push people in the arms of violent extremism and contribute to aggravating security issues in the Sahel. Secondly, preventive action is always the most effective action. Advancing the implementation of the youth, peace and security agenda is a cornerstone for strengthening preventive action. When young people are offered real opportunities across societies, they gain solid ground to stand on — skills, purpose and a sense of belonging. These opportunities become a bridge away from the pull of extremist movements and towards a future where they can see and build alternative paths for themselves. Responses to terrorism and violent extremism that rely too narrowly on security measures risk undermining local prevention and peacebuilding efforts, many of which are led by women and young people, whose voices must be at the centre of our responses. Denmark is a firm supporter of resolution 2719 (2023), and we stand ready to consider its future potential relevance, should there be appetite in the region, in the Council and in the African Union. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) provides important support to regional dialogue and mediation, as well as to efforts to strengthen the women and peace and security agenda and to lend assistance to nationally owned prevention initiatives. This work remains critical and requires our collective support . Denmark is pleased to work with Sierra Leone as penholder for UNOWAS, and we look forward to working with all Council members on the renewal of its mandate, which expires in January 2026. In conclusion, we believe that we need to invest in both protection and prevention in order to counter the spread of terrorism from the Sahel to the coastal States of West Africa and to the wider region. A critical first step is to ensure political commitment to regional and international cooperation from all actors. Denmark is a long-standing partner of West Africa and the Sahel, including in the areas of counter-terrorism, peacebuilding, development cooperation and humanitarian aid. We will continue to cooperate with the region in pursuing collective solutions to shared challenges.

We thank Sierra Leone for organizing this important briefing and for its leadership in keeping the Council’s attention focused on the evolving security dynamics in West Africa and the Sahel. We also thank the Secretary- General and Mr. Touray for their briefings. We also welcome the participation of the countries of the region — Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Ghana — in today’s meeting. We appreciate your statement in particular, Mr. President, which highlights a sense of urgency and shared alarm and underlines the need for bold, collective and comprehensive action. And we take note that today’s discussion gels well with other meetings under your presidency, such as on small arms (see S/PV.10037) and the conflict-food-security nexus (see S/PV.10045). Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of African countries, and we stand in solidarity with the people of West Africa and the Sahel, in particular, who are confronted with the scourge of terrorism and violence. As a front-line State in global counter-terrorism efforts, Pakistan has made enormous sacrifices and has sustained more than 80,000 casualties and billions of dollars in economic losses. And many of the most notable successes in the international community’s collective action against terrorism have been achieved through Pakistan’s efforts and cooperation. Having dismantled Al-Qaida and its affiliates in our region, we nevertheless continue to face threats from terrorist groups such as the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, Da’esh, Baloch Liberation Army and the Majeed Brigade, which operate with the support and sponsorship of our neighbour. And the global terrorism landscape has evolved significantly since the adoption of resolution 1373 (2001). The deteriorating security situation in the Sahel is deeply alarming. According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, 5 of the 10 countries most affected by terrorism remain in the Sahel. We are also concerned about the proliferation of terrorist threats to coastal West Africa, with cross-border attacks affecting several countries of the region. Terrorist groups are operating with impunity in ungoverned spaces in the At the informal interactive dialogue on this topic, also proposed by Sierra Leone and held during Pakistan’s presidency of the Council in July earlier this year, we welcomed steps taken by the African Union (AU) and African countries to combat terrorism and efforts to implement the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. I will make a few points here in that regard. As a foremost priority, all nations of the Sahel and West Africa must rebuild and strengthen mutual trust in order to restore confidence and solidarity. This was emphasized by you, Mr. President, as well as by the President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. Close collaboration is crucial for mounting an effective and coordinated response to terrorism and extremism through a collective security architecture for combating terrorism and armed groups that operate across international borders. A multidimensional approach is needed to combat terrorism with a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic actions through a comprehensive approach that addresses political grievances, economic deprivation, and social alienation to promote good governance, social cohesion and economic resilience. Regional cooperation remains the cornerstone of an effective counter-terrorism strategy. Frameworks such as those led by ECOWAS, as well the Accra initiative, the Nuakchott Process and the Multinational Joint Task Force must be strengthened and adequately resourced. The AU and subregional organizations may also explore partnerships with regional organizations such as the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We welcome the establishment of ECOWAS Standby Force and the continuing dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States. These initiatives are reflective of African solutions to African problems. Enhanced integration and coordination will be vital, as also underlined by Mr. Touray. The United Nations must provide AU-led enforcement missions with equipment, training and technical assistance to enhance capacity-building for regional actors. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and Office of Counter-Terrorism should continue to support these efforts. Pakistan also stands ready to share its counter-terrorism experience, including expertise in intelligence coordination, border management, and deradicalization. The implementation of resolution 2719 (2023) must be prioritized. It provides a framework for predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace operations, a long-standing and legitimate demand of our African partners. We must review the impact of sanctions regimes that may inadvertently hinder governance and development, thereby creating fertile ground for extremist exploitation. The scope of the sanctions regime under resolution 1267 (1999) as the only regime to list terrorist individuals and entities may be broadened to address Africa’s terrorism challenges that transcend national boundaries. National institutions must be strengthened to address new and emerging threats. The terrorist use of emerging technologies, such as the dark web for online radicalization, incitement to violence, cryptocurrency terrorist financing, propaganda and disinformation, requires coordinated global responses. We must address the root causes of terrorism in Africa, including poverty, economic hardships, issues of governance, small arms proliferation, organized crime, illicit economies, drug trafficking, illicit resource exploitation, environmental degradation Pakistan’s partnership with Africa is deep and historical, as we have close fraternal ties with West Africa and the Sahel region. We support initiatives that promote political stability and development. Our support for Africa’s stabilization dates back to the 1960s, with Pakistani contingents having participated for decades in peacekeeping missions across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Mali, the Sudan and South Sudan. We take pride in our contributions and successful endeavours to restore peace in West Africa, including in Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and your own country, Mr. President, and our friend, Sierra Leone. The people of West Africa and the Sahel deserve a future defined not by fear, but by peace, dignity and development. Achieving this vision requires sustained political will, free choices and independent decision-making, predictable international support and collective resolve to address the underlying issues. Pakistan will continue to play its part in realizing this goal.

At the outset, I thank Sierra Leone and His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for convening this important and timely briefing on enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel. I also thank the briefers, the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States, Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, for their insightful presentations. The violence we confront today in the Sahel region can no longer be seen as an isolated incident. It has evolved into an ever-expanding and structured threat. Terrorist organizations are extending their geographic reach, enhancing their operational sophistication, establishing connections with international criminal networks and developing autonomous financial systems driven by drug trafficking and kidnapping for ransom. That escalation is largely facilitated by our fragmented collective efforts. Political vacuums and insufficient coordination among stakeholders create conditions that these terrorist groups systematically exploit to expand their influence. My country, Algeria, places the fight against terrorism and its financing at the forefront of its national and regional commitments. This stance is rooted in our bitter and hard-won national experience in the struggle against terrorism. It is also reinforced by Algeria’s pivotal leadership in driving and coordinating the African Union counter-terrorism agenda. It is embodied in the 1999 Organization of African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism, which continues to guide African continental strategies. Finally, it was reaffirmed at our signature event in January 2025, during our presidency of this body, and has been further consolidated during our two-year chairmanship of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, notably through the adoption of what is now called the Algeria Guiding Principles on new financial technologies. This commitment is crucial in our immediate neighbourhood, given our shared borders with the Sahel, one of the regions most affected by terrorism. In our view, a collective response to terrorism impacting the Sahel region and, more broadly, the West African region must consider the following priorities. First, there is no alternative to regional coordination. Various frameworks and mechanisms exist, providing our States with tools to combine actions, strengthen capacities and address this common threat together, not individually. Thirdly, efforts should be united under a common, broad regional strategy, supported by all States of the region, to ensure effective action and better resource mobilization. Indeed, a shared vision will encourage partners to provide financial and material support to regional initiatives. We are all aware that building trust among political leaders in our region may take time. However, the threat that looms over all of us requires us, at the very least, to engage in security cooperation and intelligence-sharing, including with Western African countries with which we share borders. Fourthly, operational measures such as cross-border cooperation and joint border monitoring must be reinvigorated. Unfortunately, and especially in the field of intelligence, each country still largely acts alone. We are sure that practical approaches offer a pathway to strengthen regional security. We are sure that a more structured and closer collaboration is needed to generate the collective situational awareness required to confront this evolving threat. Fifthly, as you have stated, Mr. President, it is equally essential to cut off the financial lifelines that enable terrorist groups to operate and to expand. Strengthening financial oversight, combating illicit trafficking networks and enhancing cooperation on tracing and freezing assets are key steps to dismantling these sources of funding and undermining terrorist organizations. Sixthly, addressing more seriously the root causes that fuel terrorism must go hand in hand with security measures. Development, good governance and the restoration of essential public services are not optional elements. They are integral components of any effective and sustainable counter-terrorism strategy. To conclude, Algeria reaffirms our commitment to sharing our expertise, strengthening partnerships and actively supporting a broad regional response to terrorism.

We thank Sierra Leone for keeping the Council’s attention focused on the security situation in West Africa and the Sahel and for facilitating spaces for dialogue that promote collective action. We also thank Secretary-General António Guterres and Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States, for their valuable contributions. We recognize that the recent informal interactive dialogue revealed useful areas of convergence for continuing to address this threat and demonstrated the importance of rebuilding trust among all actors. The events in Mali and the Lake Chad basin reflect the seriousness of a phenomenon that continues to spread, claiming lives, displacing populations, destroying livelihoods and weakening institutions. We condemn these terrorist acts and express our solidarity with all those affected. The fight against terrorism and extremism is a priority for my country. We cannot allow States to fall prey to extremist narratives and organizations that threaten peace, human dignity and sustainable development. We must address the root causes of violence: poverty, inequality, climate change, institutional fragility, lack of trust and lack of socioeconomic opportunities. Prevention and peacebuilding are the most effective antidotes and require that we leave no one behind. That is why it is vital to restore political trust among the region’s leaders. This requires constructive and continuous dialogue, solidarity and a shared vision to achieve reconciliation. The timely exchange of information, especially intelligence, will be key to anticipating threats and responding effectively. The region has valuable mechanisms to combat terrorism, such as the Accra Initiative, the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Economic Community of West African States Standby Force and African Union frameworks. However, we must ensure that these mechanisms have adequate funding, transparency and robust monitoring and accountability mechanisms. In these efforts, the support of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel is key to building trust, building bridges and translating progress into concrete benefits for communities. Likewise, international cooperation, including technical assistance guided by the Office of Counter-Terrorism, must be strengthened to support comprehensive responses. Panama reiterates its condemnation of the link between terrorism and organized crime. Accountability is imperative, bringing to justice those who participate in illicit activities, including trafficking in arms, drugs and natural resources, which finance violence. The evolving trends in terrorism, with the use of new and emerging technologies, requires us to update our capabilities. Finally, Panama stresses that any measures taken to combat terrorism must fully comply with States’ international obligations in the areas of human rights, refugee rights and international humanitarian law. Respect for fundamental rights and counter-terrorism measures are mutually reinforcing. Panama will continue to support the efforts of the Council and African States to build peace and ensure a more secure and just region, focused on sustainable development.

I thank Secretary-General Guterres and Mr. Touray for their informative briefings. I also welcome the representatives of Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso and Ghana to today’s meeting. As the earlier briefings made clear, terrorist threats in the Sahel continue to expand amid declining international attention, while disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups, such as women and children. In this regard, I would like to highlight three points today. First, the terrorism landscape in the Sahel demands a comprehensive, coordinated and forward-looking response. Armed groups such as the Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) are adopting advanced technologies, including weaponized drones and anti-aircraft capabilities. This is reshaping the security environment and making effective countermeasures more difficult. Their recruitment tactics have also become more sophisticated, using social media and artificial intelligence (AI) to target urban youth and diaspora communities abroad. Given the influence of violent extremist narratives in conflict-affected areas, it is essential for the relevant Secondly, an integrated regional strategy across the Central Sahel and coastal States of West Africa is essential to dismantle cross-border terrorist networks. In this regard, we urge the expansion and strengthening of joint regional counter-terrorism initiatives. The Accra Initiative, with the participation of seven African States, achieved promising results in its early stages, and we hope to see its revitalization. The Multinational Joint Task Force has also made progress, but the withdrawal of the Niger this year has slowed its momentum. We hope that new bridges can be built to facilitate effective transboundary counter-terrorism in the Lake Chad basin. The international community, including the Security Council, must stand ready to support any potential African-led initiatives. However, such support is most effective when grounded in strong regional cooperation. Given the weakened regional cooperation following the withdrawal of the Confederation of Sahel States from the Economic Community of West African States, the most important factor in establishing such a framework is to rebuilt the trust of the two sides. As both alliances share the goal of countering terrorism, we encourage them to begin with practical, achievable steps, such as information-sharing and gradually expanding and deepening their cooperation. Thirdly, terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel is a multidimensional crisis driven by political, economic, social and security factors. Extremist groups prey on young people struggling with poverty and unemployment. This is what makes the situation in Bamako, Mali, especially alarming — there, education and economic activity have been crippled by the current JNIM blockade. Climate-induced shocks to agriculture and pastoralism also abet the spread of terrorism. Strengthening governance is equally critical. Weak State authority creates space for cross-border terrorist groups to expand, while corruption and discrimination can fuel local dissatisfaction. Upcoming elections in Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Benin and the Gambia must therefore serve as an opportunity to reinforce governance and State legitimacy. Restoring security, rebuilding peace and creating resilient foundations take time, but they are indispensable to achieving lasting solutions. It is in this context that the Republic of Korea contributed a total of $14 million last year to help address the crisis in West Africa and the Sahel. We will continue to support not only urgent humanitarian needs but also the long-term resilience of the countries in the region.

I thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting. As you said, it is about time the silence is broken. What we heard here today — and in this context, I would like to thank the Secretary-General and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, for their insightful briefings — clearly demonstrates that the security situation in West Africa and the Sahel is deeply alarming. We cannot stand silent. The region now accounts for more than half of global terrorism deaths, while violence linked to jihadist movements has reached unprecedented levels. According to the ECOWAS communiqué, the recent terrorist attacks in the region affecting both Christian and Muslim communities are a stark reminder that terrorism and intercommunal violence recognize no faith or frontier. Affiliates of Al-Qaida and the Islamic State, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, Islamic State Allow me to highlight three points. First, there is a need for strengthened regional with the support of the international community. Regional ownership supported by international solidarity remains essential to reversing current trends. The transnational nature of these threats requires well-coordinated responses. Greece fully supports the implementation of the Security Council’s resolutions — particularly resolutions 1373 (2001), 2396 (2017), 2482 (2019) and 2719 (2023) — which provide the framework for counter- terrorism, the prevention of arms trafficking and sustainable support for peace operations led by the African Union (AU). Furthermore, we are closely following the evolving relationship between the Confederation of Sahel States and ECOWAS and welcome cooperative efforts, such as the anti-jihadist joint force by the Confederation. Greece, as a European Union (EU) member State, supports the Multinational Joint Task Force mission, which remains the only fully operational security entity in the region. As an EU member State, we consistently support the funding of this critical regional force through the European Peace Facility. Likewise, we welcome efforts strengthening the Accra Initiative, the AU-ECOWAS joint threat fusion and analysis cell and the activation of the AU and ECOWAS standby forces. Secondly, equally concerning is the spillover of violence to the coastal States and the Gulf of Guinea, where terrorist groups threaten vital maritime routes. This region, home to nearly 1,500 vessels daily and handling a quarter of Africa’s maritime trade, faces increasing risks from piracy, trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The latter costs West African nations up to $11 billion annually. Greece reaffirms its commitment to strengthening coastal security. Seventy-two Greek shipping companies have signed the Gulf of Guinea Declaration on the Suppression of Piracy, while Greek naval personnel participated in the Obangame Express 2024 exercise in Ghana, alongside African, American and European partners. These joint exercises strengthen regional readiness and enhance local capacity against maritime threats. Thirdly, when it comes to the centrality of human security and inclusion, terrorism and instability inflict a devastating toll on communities, especially on women, girls and children. Greece aligns itself firmly with the women and peace and security agenda and advocates for the meaningful participation of women in prevention, mediation and reconstruction initiatives. In this regard, we commend the vital work of the Group of Five for the Sahel Women’s Platform, which has been instrumental in amplifying women’s voices, advancing early warning initiatives and fostering community resilience. As the Executive Director of UN-Women Sima Bahous recently reminded us, life for women in parts of the Sahel is one of erasure from public space (see S/PV.9974). In Burkina Faso, Mali, the Niger and Chad, more than 1 million girls have lost access to education, owing to school closures under extremist control, while abduction has become a deliberate tactic of terror. Inaction in the Sahel and West Africa carries too high a cost. Greece stands ready to assist regional efforts with international partners to reinforce cooperation, strengthen governance and promote sustainable, inclusive development. Through solidarity, coordination and shared responsibility, the region can turn fragility into resilience and insecurity into peace.

As the calls of urgency come directly from the region, we thank Sierra Leone for convening today’s briefing on counter-terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. We also thank the Secretary-General, the President of the This morning, we heard a lot on which to reflect, and we should heed the appeals of the region addressed to the United Nations and the Security Council. We share everyone’s assessment that terrorism remains the greatest security threat facing the region. In an already complex social, political and environmental climate, it is one of the main drivers of instability. It replaces whole communities, it fuels hunger, and it closes schools. It erodes trust and tears apart the very fabric of societies. Slovenia condemns in the strongest terms the actions of terrorists and violent extremist groups across the Sahel. The international community, in close partnership with the region, must use every means at its disposal to cut off the financing of terrorism, sever the links between terrorist groups and organized crime and halt the flow of arms and ammunition. It must cease fuelling social, ethnic and religious divides, address root causes and local grievances before they are exploited by violent groups; prioritize the empowerment of, and employment for, youth; promote the full, equal and meaningful participation of women; address climate-related security risks, environmental degradation and shrinking livelihoods; and invest in community resilience and local peacebuilding, while ensuring that development, humanitarian and peace efforts reinforce each other. All this and more is urgently needed to stop the attacks, protect civilians, safeguard women and girls and bring the children and youths who have been recruited by terrorist groups back to their classrooms and back to safety, enable unhindered humanitarian access and ensure that communities themselves are empowered as partners in prevention. At the same time, Slovenia calls for counter-terrorism efforts to be grounded in respect for international law by embedding human rights protection in all operations and ensuring strict compliance with international humanitarian law, international refugee law and international human rights law, which are not impediments to action — quite the opposite. Justice and accountability are essential to achieving lasting results, and democratic governance and a free civic space form the very foundations of sustainable peace. Lastly, Slovenia strongly encourages regional unity and cooperation in countering terrorism and violent extremism. As the Secretary-General recently underlined, “[t]rust must be urgently restored and cooperation between countries across the region must be re-established.” The need to build trust is indeed emerging as a crucial takeaway from the meeting today. Intelligence-sharing, joint early warning systems and collective prevention efforts form the backbone of regional stability and preventive diplomacy. We support the work of the Accra Initiative, the Multinational Joint Task Force and the prospective ECOWAS standby force. The United Nations and the Council have the tools to support these regional efforts. Resolution 2719 (2023) could be helpful in this regard, and Slovenia stands ready to discuss matters further should the region so wish.

We welcome your personal participation in the meeting, Mr. President. We thank the Secretary- General and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mr. Omar Touray, for their briefings. We welcome the participation of countries of the region in the meeting. We are concerned about developments in the Sahelo-Saharan region, which, in recent years, has become a breeding ground for terrorist activity and the geopolitical and economic ploys of a number of external actors, which primarily affect local inhabitants. In recent weeks, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin fighters have sought to impose a fuel blockade on Malian population centres, reflecting a change in tactics by terrorist groups, which clearly enjoy support from abroad, including in the Terrorists are also actively using intimidation tactics against civilians. A striking example is the recent public execution of the popular Malian blogger Mariam Cissé, a young, active woman who had spoken out in support of the Malian Armed Forces. Unfortunately, the situation is marked by an extensive, externally coordinated information campaign, aimed at destabilizing the situation in the friendly Sahel troika countries. Anti-Government fake news and links to terrorist propaganda and terrorist appeals are being widely disseminated. Such material is being seized upon by the American and French media. A case in point is the interview of Mr. Martinez, Director of the Center for International Studies, published by Radio France Internationale, in which he claimed that Mali is “the most suitable candidate for establishing a new seat of a caliphate”, supposedly on account of Bamako’s isolation from France and certain countries in the region. On 14 November, the media published a fake statement by the General Staff of the Malian Armed Forces about the introduction of compulsory military service for citizens from 18 to 45 years old, as of 1 December. Fake news about Russia’s position also abounds. Against this backdrop, it came as no surprise that Mali’s highest communications authority decided to take La Chaîne Info and Télévision Française 1 off the air after they were caught spreading material justifying terrorism and fomenting unrest. Recently, an entire espionage network was uncovered in Burkina Faso. It was spearheaded by the European Union-funded International NGO Safety Organisation, which had been passing on confidential information about the country’s military, political and administrative activities to other States. We note that in recent days, thanks in part to the escort of fuel convoys by Russian forces, the situation in Mali has been improving. The number of petrol stations selling fuel has increased significantly. On 10 November, classes resumed in Malian educational institutions, which had been closed for two weeks. In the face of increased terrorist threats, the inter-agency crisis management committee chaired by Prime Minister Maïga is working actively. We see that the population of Mali strongly supports the Government’s efforts to ensure the country’s energy sovereignty. In the current difficult conditions, the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States continue to strengthen their joint efforts to counter the terrorist threat. It should be noted that the current dire situation in the region is not the fault of the local States. The current situation is a direct consequence of the West’s destructive intervention in Libya in 2011. The countries of the region are fighting terrorist challenges and threats, but they need genuine assistance from the international community without hidden agendas and double standards. For example, over the past month, the Confederation of Sahel States conducted another round of successful operations in the Liptako-Gourma triangle, resulting in the elimination of several gang leaders. We hope that Mali’s international partners and those of other countries of the Confederation of Sahel States will stop exacerbating an already difficult situation and instead provide strong support based on the requests and needs of the relevant Governments. When considering terrorist threats in West Africa, we must not forget the need to counter the financing of terrorism and cut off the sources of weapons falling into the hands of terrorists. Recent analytical materials from the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate note that in the Sahel, most of the weapons used by Islamic State in the Greater Sahara come from the black market and are seized after attacks on security forces. At this stage, the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States have every reason to be skeptical of such regional initiatives. It should not be forgotten that only two years ago, ECOWAS countries seriously considered the option of military intervention in the Niger to restore so-called law and order. Harsh economic sanctions were imposed on the countries, with the civilian population bearing the brunt of the suffering. The membership of the Confederation of Sahel States in the African Union remains suspended, effectively excluding them from the regional decision-making process. Against this backdrop, the statement made by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on 9 November, in which he called for a decisive, coordinated and consistent international response in the fight against terrorism and extremism in the Sahel, attracted attention. It is important that there be genuine African solidarity here. Regional counter-terrorism initiatives are unthinkable without the consent of the Governments of the member States of the Confederation of Sahel States, reliance on the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and pragmatic assessments of the situation on the ground. The Russian Federation supports African countries in their fight against international terrorism and builds cooperation with them on the basis of the principles of respect and equality. We will continue to support the strengthening of the capacity of law enforcement agencies and armed forces of the countries of the Confederation of Sahel States, including through the training of relevant specialists. We see broad opportunities to assist African national counter-terrorism institutions through specialized United Nations structures, in particular the Office of Counter- Terrorism. We are confident that today, more than ever before, it is vital to provide technical assistance to African States in the areas of border security, information exchange and countering the financing of terrorism. Projects to counter the use of weapons by terrorists and establish inter-agency cooperation in the fight against terrorism in Africa, implemented with the support of the Russian Federation, have received extremely positive feedback from African partners.

I would like to begin by thanking Sierra Leone for convening this timely and important briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa and the Sahel region. We also thank the Secretary-General and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the briefings. We welcome the participation of Mali, on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, and that of Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire in this meeting. The situation of West Africa and the Sahel remains deeply fragile. Terrorist groups continue to expand their reach, undermine State authority and inflict immense suffering on civilian populations, mainly women and children. Against this backdrop, I wish to highlight three key points. First, the rapid evolution of terrorist groups demands stronger, coordinated regional action. The growing operational strength of the groups, such as Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, Islamic State in the Greater Sahara and Islamic State West Africa Province, including their use of drones, improvised explosive devices and complex coordinated attacks, shows that terrorist groups in the Sahel region are not only persistent, but rapidly evolving. These groups have developed Secondly, military operations must be matched with governance, service delivery and resilience-building efforts. Our own experience in Somalia has shown that military pressure, no matter how effective it is, cannot defeat terrorism unless it is accompanied by the visible and trusted presence of the State. Extremist groups thrive in contexts in which governance is weak, citizens lack access to justice and services and communities feel abandoned. The recent blockade in Mali, attacks on vital transport corridors and attempts by terrorist groups to impose parallel governance structures all underscore how extremists exploit governance vacuums. We therefore stress the need to strengthen national institutions, restore essential services in newly established and stabilized areas and support local governance, policing and justice capacity. Our national experience has also taught us that disarmament, demobilization and reintegration are indispensable. The disarmament and reintegration of former fighters give individuals, in particular youth, a path out of violence and undercut the extremists’ recruitment efforts. Sustained investment in livelihoods and inclusive opportunity is just as crucial. Peace and security cannot take root without reconciliation, development and programmes that help marginalized communities, especially young people, to escape the cycle of violence. Thirdly, predictable, sustainable and coordinated international support for African-led responses is very essential. The magnitude of the threat requires a coherent and well-resourced regional strategy. Resolution 2719 (2023) provides an important framework for enabling predictable and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace support operations. We encourage the Council to continue exploring how that framework can be applied to strengthen regional counter-terrorism and stabilization efforts in West Africa and the Sahel. Our delegation also welcomes the ongoing discussion on the strengthening of the ECOWAS Standby Force and the Accra Initiative and calls for robust international backing — financial, logistical and technical — to ensure that that mechanism can deliver results. In doing so, international partners should prioritize support to national Governments whose leadership and ownership are indispensable to any lasting solutions. Efforts to build resilience and security must respect national sovereignty, regional frameworks and international law, including human rights and humanitarian principles. Somalia stands in full solidarity with the countries of West Africa and the Sahel as they confront a threat that endangers regional and international peace and security. Our delegation commends their determination and resilience in addressing this challenge and reaffirms our readiness to share lessons learned from our own fight against terrorism. We remain committed to working with all partners within the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations to strengthen regional cooperation; empower national Governments, which is essential for any success; and address the root causes of instability in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

I would like to thank the Secretary- General and the President of the Commission of the Economic Community of The Sahel, as several have said, has become the main epicentre of terrorist violence, accounting for nearly half of the terrorism-related deaths recorded worldwide last year. Branches of the main jihadist movements, the Islamic State and Al-Qaida, have set up operations there, and their progress poses a growing threat not only to the States of the Central Sahel but also to the Gulf of Guinea, as evidenced by the surge in attacks in coastal countries. The security and humanitarian situation has become particularly worrisome in Mali, where Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin declared an energy blockade on Bamako in early September. We strongly condemn the intolerable violence perpetrated by terrorist groups and the threat that terrorism poses to the stability of the region and to international peace and security. This situation calls for a collective response. Beyond the necessary action against terrorist groups, priority must be given to restoring regional dialogue and trust, as several speakers have pointed out. The weakening of the regional institutional architecture in recent years has made the region more vulnerable. It is necessary to reverse this trend and return to cooperation and information-sharing in the face of the growing terrorist threat. France commends the efforts undertaken by the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the ECOWAS Commission in this regard. The rapid deterioration of the situation in the Sahel reminds us that exclusively military solutions cannot suffice, especially when they are tainted by violence against the civilian population. To be effective, efforts to combat terrorism must follow a comprehensive approach, not only enabling the fight against terrorists, their financing, their access to weapons, their ideologies that revolt the human conscience and their crimes, which cannot go unpunished, but also helping to address the causes of this scourge and the factors that lead to recruitment. That approach includes preserving fundamental rights and freedoms, strengthening governance structures and the rule of law, supporting the resilience of the most vulnerable communities and inclusive development policies, and combating disinformation and the dissemination of extremist content. The United Nations provides a coherent framework for combating terrorism, including the sanctions imposed by the Council, the analyses and recommendations of the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate and the capacity-building programmes conducted by the Office of Counter-Terrorism. The United Nations also provides cooperation frameworks, such as that proposed by resolution 2719 (2023). The implementation of such a framework requires a shared vision between the Security Council and the African Union, which requires, first and foremost, agreement within the region on its needs and on the appropriate response to the threat. France will continue to support the relevant United Nations programmes and its efforts to develop African counter-terrorism capabilities. My country will continue to work with all willing partners in the region, within a framework that respects international law. France, whose armed forces have paid a heavy human toll,

Guyana thanks Sierra Leone for organizing today’s briefing on enhancing regional counter-terrorism cooperation in West Africa and the Sahel — a topic of high priority for the African members of the Security Council plus. We thank you, President Bio, for your instructive statement and, indeed, for all your efforts. We also thank the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for their insights and recommendations. The challenges confronting West Africa and the Sahel are a clear demonstration of the interlinkages between peace and development. In recent years, the subregion has seen an alarming escalation of terrorist activities, which further compounds the already severe humanitarian crises plaguing several countries in the region due to conflict, climate change and political instability. Those factors are deeply interconnected with ongoing development challenges, including persistent poverty, high levels of food insecurity and limited economic opportunities for an expanding youth population. Together, these create fertile breeding grounds for terrorist activities. This, however, is not news to anyone in the Chamber. The challenges facing West Africa and the Sahel are quite visible and have been well elaborated in many Security Council discussions and resolutions. Similarly, it is widely recognized that the response to these interconnected challenges and the increasingly networked character of the terrorist threat must be comprehensive, sustained and coordinated, simultaneously targeting both the root causes and immediate consequences. Where then lies the gap, and what specific enablers should be prioritized to enhance the effectiveness of African-led solutions already on the table? First, we must address the issue of external disruptive influences. They appear in many forms, creating barriers to effective collaboration among the countries in the region by sowing distrust and discord and exploiting governance deficits. This hinders the development and implementation of unified, resilient mechanisms that could help the region move to more comprehensive strategies capable of addressing the interconnected challenges of terrorism, humanitarian crises and persistent development gaps in a sustainable way. Recognizing and understanding how these external actors perpetuate instability by undermining regional cooperation is essential for developing a comprehensive response to strengthen regional counter- terrorism cooperation and promote lasting peace and development in West Africa and the Sahel. As terrorist groups intensify their collaboration with transnational criminal organizations, engaging in the illicit trafficking of weapons, fuel and minerals to finance their operations, it is imperative that Governments also enhance their coordination and cooperation. The African Union (AU) has advanced several strategies and initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and coordination of the region’s response. Their successful implementation, however, requires regional States, the United Nations and the wider international community to demonstrate clear unity of purpose in not only countering the immediate challenges but also the disruptive forces that create vulnerabilities in the governance and security landscape. Secondly, it is important to take a closer look at gaps in support for key counter- terrorism initiatives, including the Accra Initiative and the proposed ECOWAS Standby Force. The effectiveness of these initiatives depends heavily on ongoing and committed financial support from the international community. With the Sahel region Moreover, as highlighted during the launch of the key takeaways from the 2025 Challenges Forum earlier this month, there must be stronger partnerships between the United Nations, the African Union and subregional organizations, in which each has a clearly defined role anchored in its comparative advantages and based on shared legitimacy, burden-sharing and mutual accountability. Recognizing that terrorism and transnational organized crime respect no borders and that the operationalization of resolution 2719 (2023) in support of AU-led peace operations corresponds to the shared responsibility of the international community to support sustainable peace and security in the region, the Security Council must work in concert with the other organs of the United Nations to enhance collaboration and partnerships with the region and reinforce the principle that regional stability in Africa benefits all. This also requires integrating military responses with robust governance, development and human rights approaches, in a manner that aligns the response with national and regional priorities. Within this framework, it is essential to ensure women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in peace and security efforts, and adequate funding towards this end. We also support the deployment of women protection advisers to the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. Finally, terrorism does not have a permanent region of choice. We have seen the shifts over time, including the recent shift from the Middle East to Africa. As such, while West Africa and the Sahel is currently bearing the brunt of this scourge, if it is not addressed, it could easily spread to other parts of the globe or return to areas previously affected. As you rightly reminded us, Mr. President, this is just not a West African crisis. It is therefore in the interests of the entire international community to support all efforts that promote coordinated, effective and well-resourced regional counter-terrorism initiatives. We firmly believe that enhancing regional ownership is vital, and this must be achieved through robust and well-aligned international support that respects and reinforces the priorities established by the African Union and subregional organizations. The members of the Security Council must play an active role in supporting these initiatives by consistently prioritizing the interests and well-being of the people of West Africa and the Sahel. All must resist the temptation to view the region merely as an arena for zero-sum competition and instead ensure that international contributions are harmonized to support lasting peace, security and development.

I now give the floor to the representative of Côte d’Ivoire.

My delegation is honoured to address this distinguished assembly on the occasion of this important meeting devoted to peacebuilding in West Africa, under the enlightened presidency of His Excellency Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the United Nations Security Council, to whom my delegation extends its fraternal greetings. My country would like to take this opportunity to also commend his leadership and the remarkable work accomplished at the head of our subregional organization, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We thank the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Touray, for their enlightening briefings. The terrorist threat in West Africa and the Sahel has reached unprecedented levels of scale and severity, sadly making the region the global epicentre of terrorism for two consecutive years. Unfortunately, the situation is now deteriorating significantly, with an increase in attacks and territorial advances by jihadist groups, particularly in Mali. The threat is also spreading alarmingly towards the southern coastal areas. This situation is all the more worrisome given that countries in the region, keen to take ownership of the response, have for several years been deploying multifaceted national, bilateral and subregional efforts to address this challenge, often with the help of international partners. This has led to the emergence of important initiatives such as the Accra Initiative, a collaborative mechanism to combat violent extremism and terrorism in the region, and the Group of Five for the Sahel and the ECOWAS Standby Force, tools designed to provide a structured response to asymmetric threats. In Côte d’Ivoire, an international academy, operational since 2021, has been established with the long- term aim of fostering a culture of counter-terrorism in Africa. However, insufficient resources and the fragmentation of these different frameworks constitute a real handicap and undermine the effectiveness of these instruments, whose worthy goal is nevertheless to promote solutions adapted to the subregional realities of the threat. In this context, increased commitment and mobilization by the international community, and in particular the Security Council, in favour of sustainable and effective unity of action is essential. This must primarily take the form of support for capacity-building in the States concerned, in particular through assistance provided in the context of assessment visits authorized by the Counter-Terrorism Committee and conducted by its Executive Directorate. My country, which benefited from two assessments in 2018 and 2024, can attest to the significant contribution these assessments made to achieving tangible progress by identifying concrete needs for assistance and promoting their implementation. We call for these assessments to be more firmly rooted in a regional approach. It is also essential that the Security Council work very actively to consolidate international cooperation and, above all, to coordinate all regional efforts. This is a prerequisite for achieving decisive and desirable results, supported by a revitalization of existing mechanisms, in particular the Accra Initiative. In the same vein, my delegation calls for the implementation of the review conducted in February 2024 by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to determine the role that Côte d’Ivoire could play through the comprehensive approach of the Jacqueville International Academy. Furthermore, it is imperative that the Security Council promote integrated solutions combining prevention, the fight against radicalization, socioeconomic development and better management of the humanitarian consequences of the phenomenon, in particular the growing flow of refugees from the Sahel. In this regard, it is important to accelerate the operationalization of the Integrated Border Furthermore, as we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the women and peace and security agenda, priority must be given to the situation of women — one of the most affected populations. The establishment of more gender-sensitive mechanisms to combat violent extremism must be encouraged, following the example of the action taken in this regard in my country under the second generation of the national action plan for the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000). Moreover, the Security Council must strengthen its involvement in consolidating strategic cooperation among the United Nations, ECOWAS and the African Union, which must focus on the implementation of resolution 2719 (2023) so as to provide adequate support for African counter-terrorism and stabilization operations. In conclusion, Côte d’Ivoire calls for greater international solidarity with the States of West Africa and the Sahel to respond to the real extent of the terrorist threat tragically facing the region.

I now give the floor to the representative of Mali.

I would like to begin by conveying the regrets of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the Confederation of Sahel States, who are unable to attend owing to scheduling constraints. I therefore have the distinct honour of taking the floor on their behalf. I would also like to commend the leadership of His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and President of the Security Council, who is behind this initiative on reviving regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. I take note of the contributions of the Secretary-General, Mr. António Guterres, and Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States. This meeting is of particular importance to the member States of the Confederation of Sahel States, namely Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger. For more than a decade, West Africa in general and the Sahel in particular have been confronted with terrorism imposed and supported by foreign State sponsors. Our people, including women and children, are the victims of cowardly murders, subjected to unspeakable violence, forced into exile or simply deprived of access to essential social services. This abject violence spares neither schools nor health centres, and as the criminal groups can no longer stand up to our valiant defence and security forces, they are now reduced to economic terrorism, which consists of attacking civilian infrastructure and supply routes. To put an end to this transnational organized crime and to create the conditions for sustainable development for the benefit of the Sahelian people, Their Excellencies Captain Ibrahim Traoré, President and Head of State of Burkina Faso; General Assimi Goïta, President of the Transition and Head of State of Mali; and General Abdourahamane Tiani, President and Head of State of the Republic of the Niger, have decided, with full sovereignty, to take their destinies into their own hands and create the Confederation of Sahel States to pool the efforts of the three countries in the areas of defence, development and diplomacy. Therefore, in the field of defence, the defence and security forces of the Confederation of Sahel States are fighting courageously and tirelessly together against criminal and obscurantist organizations. I would like to pay particular tribute here to our confederal forces for the sacrifices they make every day to secure our territories, our people and their property. However, I wish to emphasize that the fight against terrorism is and must remain a regional and international struggle, particularly in the context of the expansion of the terrorist threat in West Africa and elsewhere. We are therefore fully prepared to In this way, regarding regional initiatives to coordinate the fight against terrorism, it is essential to rebuild trust among stakeholders in the West African region. In particular, it is essential that the States of the West African region have a common understanding of the terrorist threat and the shared responses to it. To achieve this, we need an approach that is different from the one that we have seen so far, which has consisted of hostile external interference, illegal, unjust and inhumane sanctions and even the threat of military intervention in a sovereign country. The new approach must prioritize constructive dialogue among the regional actors concerned. This is a prerequisite for any regional cooperation and coordination initiative in the fight against terrorism in our common space, especially in the context of intelligence-sharing. Regarding international cooperation in the fight against terrorism, it is important to underscore the essential role expected of the Security Council, the Secretary- General and the other dedicated United Nations mechanisms. At this level, too, the approach must be reviewed and adapted. Reports, meetings, resolutions and statements are certainly useful, but they are not enough against the terrorist threat. Concrete and rapid responses tailored to the realities of each specific situation are needed. Mali has had an unsuccessful experience with the presence of a United Nations mission on its territory, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, the doctrine, mandate and rules of engagement of which were not adapted to the security needs of the host country. International cooperation is also essential in the fight against terrorist financing, including paying ransoms for the release of hostages. It is also necessary for mobilizing resources to help victims of terrorism, in particular refugees and internally displaced persons. In this regard, I am particularly concerned about the highly insufficient level of humanitarian aid mobilized for the Sahel — barely 14 per cent of humanitarian needs. I cannot conclude without emphatically condemning the daily media terrorism to which our countries and our people are subjected by certain militant, vindictive sections of the press that are nostalgic for geopolitical hegemony. It is regrettable to see that this press has chosen to glorify terrorism and serve as a vehicle for terrorist propaganda in our countries and our region. In conclusion, I would like to pay tribute to all the victims of terrorism, Sahelian and foreign, civilian and military alike, with a special thought for my compatriot Mariam Cissé, who fell victim to a cowardly murder this month at the hands of hordes of terrorists. I also wish to salute the admirable resilience of the people of the Sahel faced with the difficult situation in which our countries find themselves. I reaffirm the unwavering determination of the member States of the Confederation of Sahel States to fight terrorism and violent extremism in our shared space.

I now give the floor to the representative of Senegal.

Senegal would like to thank the Sierra Leonean presidency for dedicating the signature event of its presidency to peace consolidation in West Africa, specifically the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, of which our region has become the epicentre. In this regard, I welcome the briefings by the Secretary-General and Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States. There is no need to revisit the particular nature of the terrorist phenomenon in West Africa or its links to the persistent challenges of poverty, climate change, the rule of law, food insecurity or the situation of women and young people, who continue to pay a heavy price. Despite the numerous efforts and commitments made First, international action to contain and eradicate the terrorist threat is urgently needed. Our shared responsibility and the Council’s unique remit entail championing the affected countries in their legitimate aspirations to lasting peace, security, stability, development and lasting democratic governance in their countries. It must be pointed out that that support should be a joint effort, based on their needs and consistent with the spirit of African solutions to African problems. Secondly, it is important to take resolute action against the underlying structural causes and factors that are conducive to, and continue to fuel, the spread of terrorism and violent extremism in the region. Thirdly, there must be support for regional and subregional initiatives in combating threats to peace and security and obstacles to development on the continent. In this connection, it bears underlining the importance of examining the suitability of the relevant regional tools and of reflecting, with a view to, among other goals, remedying the shortcomings in our warning and response mechanisms. Also worth underscoring is the need, for obvious reasons of cost-effectiveness, for enhanced synergies between national and regional strategies and for improved coordination and streamlining of initiatives. Fourthly, optimal use should be made of the framework for financing peace support operations established by resolution 2719 (2023) so as to develop and implement tailored programmes to support the countries of the Sahel region. Fifthly and lastly, bolstering unity in the region is another abiding strategic consideration in better contending with the intricacies of a situation that demands synergistic action and reinvigorated political commitment so that, together, we can tackle the political, security and development issues. Equally crucial, therefore, is support for subregional efforts, with a view to consolidating agreement around a joint counter-terrorist strategy that draws on the achievements of integration. In conclusion, Senegal notes, with concern, the decline in international solidarity, the disintegration of multilateralism and the liquidity crisis, which are greatly diminishing the effectiveness and the extent of the international response to the humanitarian crisis in the region. In line with the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel, there is an urgent need to support the humanitarian efforts of countries of the region and ramp up efforts to mobilize predictable, sufficient and sustainable financial and material resources in support of regional peace initiatives. My delegation underscores that the protection of civilians is a moral duty and a legal requirement of which the international community cannot, under any circumstances, absolve itself. Senegal reaffirms its commitment to taking action alongside all its partners to bolster our joint efforts for an integrated West Africa that is free from the terrorist threat.

I now give the floor to the representative of Burkina Faso.

I thank the President of Sierra Leone for inviting us to this briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa and counter-terrorism in our region. I also commend the insightful briefings by the Burkina Faso aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of the Republic of Mali on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States and wishes to make some remarks in a national capacity. Thanks to the joint efforts of the State of Burkina Faso, the Confederation and our partners, much has been achieved: vast swathes of the country have been recaptured, more than a million of our displaced compatriots have returned, and schools, healthcare facilities and vital infrastructure are gradually reopening. In addition to encompassing military action, our approach has been to combine emergency response with recovery. Two structural pillars have been informing these efforts since 2023: the national humanitarian response plan, which, in 2025, is aimed at more than 6 million vulnerable people, and the national strategy for recovery and durable solutions, which seeks to ensure a dignifiedreturn and resettlement. These tools are already yielding tangible results and must be strengthened with the continued support of our partners. Terrorism cannot be defeated without international support that is consistent, predictable and free from national political considerations. Accordingly, we appeal for a renewed multilateral commitment, with a view to sustainably funding the eradication of the causes of terrorism — poverty, a lack of public services, geographical marginalization, underinvestment in infrastructure and agriculture and a lack of opportunities for young people. Multilateral finance institutions must play their full part. We urge them to support the countries of the Sahel on the basis of their genuine needs, not ad hoc political considerations. Doing so is essential to consolidating regional peace and stability. It is common knowledge that terrorism thrives on support from its international State sponsors and backers. It also feeds off transnational networks involved in arms trafficking, money laundering and organized crime of various kinds. An integrated regional and international response that is anchored in solidarity and strategic coherence is therefore crucial. Burkina Faso thanks the sanctions committees for their endeavours and encourages them to step up their efforts so that no State or non-State actor can act as a launch pad for financing terrorism. Burkina Faso stands entirely ready to work with all partners, with due consideration for its sovereign choices, for the sake of security and sustainable development for our peoples.

I now give the floor to the representative of Ghana.

Ghana congratulates Sierra Leone on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for the month of November. We thank it for convening this all-important meeting, and our thanks also go to President Maada Bio, the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, Secretary-General Guterres and the President of the ECOWAS Commission for their very insightful briefings. The consolidation of peace in West Africa has, in recent times, become one of the many challenges faced by our multilateral system. Accordingly, the timing of this debate could not have been more appropriate. West Africa and the Sahel are facing unprecedented security threats from extremist groups, including the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. These groups have taken advantage of weak governance, power vacuums and porous borders, among other factors, to undermine existing structures of governance, oppress and destabilize communities, displace civilian populations and create economic disruption. In addition, food insecurity, Ghana has consistently joined in the multilateral work against the rise in terrorism in our region. Our concern is not merely born of geographical ties; it is also entrenched in historical geopolitical bonds and the common quest for sustainable peace and development in the region. Ghana, in close partnership with ECOWAS, is actively engaged in promoting a platform for dialogue to address the security threats facing the region, including its coastal States. The appointment by President Mahama of Ghana of a Special Envoy to the Confederation of Sahel States, with a mandate to engage the countries in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism, demonstrates how seriously Ghana takes this threat in our region. Today’s debate symbolizes the ongoing multilateral efforts to combat terrorism and achieve sustainable peace in West Africa, which is crucial to the achievement of the Council’s obligations under the Charter of the United Nations. Peace in West Africa is an assurance of the safety and security of approximately 470 million people, 50 per cent of whom are women and children, and a youthful population with a median age of 18. Victory over terrorism and extremism is a safeguard to the free movement of persons, goods and services across the region and the enjoyment of fundamental human rights, not only among the citizens of the affected region, but across the wider African continent and the globe. In conclusion, Ghana commends the diligent and joint work of the United Nations and the African Union Peace and Security Council to address violent extremism in Africa. We also applaud the unwavering role of ECOWAS in spearheading this daunting but crucial task in our subregion. Ghana maintains that the way forward is to foster dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States, in order to rebuild trust and chart a meaningful and practical path towards the restoration and consolidation of peace. This is a fight that ECOWAS and the subregion cannot take on alone. The support of the international community is vitally important in that regard. Ghana renews its pledge and commitment to working closely with the rest of the international community towards dealing with this menace. Peace consolidation is not merely the absence of war — it is the presence of justice, opportunity, equity and dignity. The world must not lose the momentum in the fight for peace in West Africa and the Sahel, because instability in the Sahel is instability elsewhere. The time for a more unified, coherent and coordinated approach to the issue at hand is now. Let us continue to work towards a safe and peaceful West Africa in which peace will no longer be an ambition, but instead a daily reality for all.