S/PV.10073 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representatives of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to participate in this meeting. In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite Ms. Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, 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/2025/771, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel. I now give the floor to Ms. Freeman. Ms. Freeman: I have the honour to present the Secretary-General’s report on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) (S/2025/771). I congratulate Slovenia on assuming the presidency of the Council. I wish to begin by expressing sincere regrets on behalf of Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão, who is unable to brief the Council today. Our thoughts are with him and his family during this difficult time. Allow me to highlight key developments since the Special Representative of the Secretary-General’s most recent briefing in August (see S/PV.9974) that illustrate both the region’s fragility and its resilience. On 7 December, Benin’s national security forces, with support from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and partners, thwarted a coup attempt by military officers who had been citing grievances over deteriorating security, the management of the armed forces and restrictions on political activity. On 26 November, in Guinea-Bissau, the military took control of the country, disrupting the announcement of the presidential election results. Since then, arrests, divisive rhetoric and online hate speech are a growing cause of concern. In Côte d’Ivoire, amid concerns over the exclusion of major opposition figures from the October 2025 presidential election, we worked with ECOWAS and the African Union (AU) to deliver unified messages that encouraged dialogue and the conduct of a peaceful election. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General visited Côte d’Ivoire before, during and after the election to encourage all political actors to safeguard democratic space and avoid divisive campaign rhetoric. In Guinea, following the adoption of a new Constitution in September, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General visited in October, urging authorities to ensure an inclusive and peaceful electoral process in advance of the presidential election on 28 December. Experience across the region shows that governance reforms perceived as exclusionary erode legitimacy and fuel popular discontent. The 7 December coup attempt in Benin, so close to presidential and legislative elections scheduled for early 2026, further underscores the need for broad consultation and transparency on constitutional and governance reform processes. With this trend in mind, UNOWAS plans to intensify support for nationally owned dialogue processes, including through engagement with civil society, youth and women’s groups. We intend to work more closely with national peace councils and other entities that can channel public sentiment constructively, provide early warning and serve as models for the region. UNOWAS also stands with ECOWAS in its efforts to support and protect the region’s democratic institutions. On 1 December, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão joined a high-level ECOWAS mission to Guinea-Bissau and maintained close engagement with the region’s leaders to shape a strategy for restoring constitutional order. At the ECOWAS summit on 14 December, leaders agreed on a short, inclusive transition in Guinea-Bissau, warning that targeted sanctions would apply to any actor obstructing this process. Pursuant to the summit, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is scheduled to be deployed to Guinea-Bissau tomorrow, 19 December. A united stance on Guinea-Bissau, together with the ECOWAS response to the coup attempt in Benin, demonstrates the vital role of the organization in the region. I urge the Security Council to support ECOWAS efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and more broadly protect the region’s democratic gains. (spoke in French) The Sahel continues to be the global epicentre of violent extremism. In Mali, Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) has adopted a strategy of economic disruption along the trade corridors, cutting off Bamako’s supplies of essential goods, in particular fuel. Although the situation has recently improved, thanks to the use of military escorts, the humanitarian consequences remain serious. Since the end of October, more than 3,300 refugees have fled the clashes between the JNIM and the Malian army, seeking refuge in Mauritania, where hosting capacities are being severely tested. Hundreds more have also sought refuge in Côte d'Ivoire. During his visit to Mali in November, the Special Representative noted the resilience of the Malian people in the face of extreme challenges. He reiterated his call for inclusive national dialogue and strengthened regional cooperation. The JNIM and Islamic State affiliates continue to expand their activities towards coastal States. In the Lake Chad basin, Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa have intensified their attacks, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis already worsened by the conflict in the Sudan. The emergence of the Lakurawa group in north-western Nigeria has further tested the Nigerian armed forces’ ability to secure the territory, particularly in rural areas. Kidnapping for ransom has become a major threat to national security, with schoolchildren frequently targeted. To combat terrorism, Governments in the central Sahel are investing heavily in strengthening their military capabilities. However, high defence spending comes at the expense of other essential sectors, such as education and health, leaving the root causes that make the region vulnerable to extremism unaddressed. The intertwining of terrorism and organized crime is accelerating, fuelling illicit trafficking and infiltrating State institutions. Coastal States are no longer just transit zones, but also consumer markets. Locally produced and trafficked synthetic drugs, such as kush, pose serious risks to public health, particularly for the region’s youth. These converging threats require coordinated responses and the united and unequivocal support of the Council. (spoke in English) New initiatives are emerging to address shared threats and rebuild trust. Angola, as Chair of the African Union, has urged the region to pursue constructive engagement and pragmatic approaches. ECOWAS leaders have visited members of the Confederation of Sahel States and convened consultations to rebuild relationships, including the recent visit of Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of African Integration to Burkina Faso. President Julius Maada Bio’s proposal for an ECOWAS-United Nations-AU compact for peace and resilience in the Sahel, a framework that would integrate security, governance and humanitarian action, is worthy of Council support. Nevertheless, rapprochement between Sahelian and ECOWAS States remains fragile, as evidenced by allegations surrounding the coup attempt in Benin. The wide circulation of misinformation, disinformation and fake news also stymies dialogue efforts. Concrete steps are advancing to operationalize the ECOWAS regional counter- terrorism force, despite earlier delays caused by resource gaps. I urge Member States to consider predictable financing for the Sahel under resolution 2719 (2023). To operationalize this resolution, leaders of the region must develop a unified plan that includes a concept of operations. UNOWAS intends to work with partners, including the AU and ECOWAS, to build momentum towards this end. We look to the Council for support in this endeavour. Progress has been made on the women and peace and security and youth, peace and security agendas, including through the adoption of national action plans. However, women and youth remain underrepresented in decision-making and political dialogue processes. On 11 December in Dakar, UNOWAS convened youth from 15 countries to mark the tenth anniversary of resolution 2250 (2025). In a region in which the median age is 17, their demands for greater inclusion to secure more peaceful futures must be heeded. UNOWAS has seen first-hand the link between climate change and instability. Unpredictable weather patterns, notably severe flooding, have displaced millions and shut down schools across the region. Humanitarian needs in the region remain largely unmet. As of yesterday, only 25 per cent of the $3.1 billion United Nations humanitarian appeal for the Central Sahel has been mobilized. Increased protection and support for vulnerable communities is urgently needed. Despite annual growth of between 5 and 6 per cent in the region, persistent poverty, high debt burdens and joblessness expose structural economic weaknesses that must be addressed to achieve sustainable and inclusive development. The erosion of democratic norms and standards is seen in the shrinking of civic and political space in the region, with concerning reports of unlawful detentions, torture and forced disappearances in some countries. UNOWAS is committed to supporting ECOWAS and national authorities in upholding and strengthening good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law. The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission has achieved a major milestone in implementing the International Court of Justice ruling on the Cameroon–Nigeria boundary dispute. The two parties have resolved outstanding issues and agreed on a provisional boundary line, with final pillar construction planned for early 2026. With the two United Nations country teams and national authorities, we are supporting the design of projects for border communities to consolidate these gains. Continued Security Council support is critical to translate progress into lasting peace and stability. In these challenging times, UNOWAS remains a trusted convener. We will continue to work closely with the leaders and people of the region to bridge divides and foster regional peace and stability. In closing, we extend our sincere appreciation to the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, Mar Dieye, whose leadership, energy and expertise have been pivotal in the United Nations response to development and humanitarian challenges in the context of the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. We thank the outgoing Council members for their support and contributions and look forward to working closely with the new membership in 2026.

I thank Ms. Freeman for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the African members of the Security Council plus one (A3+): Algeria, Guyana, Somalia and my country, Sierra Leone. We thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Ms. Barrie Freeman for her comprehensive and insightful briefing. We welcome the participation of the representatives of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire in this meeting. We take note of the Secretary-General’s report on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) (S/2025/771). We commend Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leonardo Simão and his team for their continued engagement, especially during this period of considerable political complexity and heightened security challenges. We express our sincere sympathy to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão at this time of personal loss. We also commend Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão and his team for the progress achieved through the Cameroon–Nigeria Mixed Commission, and for the political will demonstrated by both parties to see this process through to completion. Recalling presidential statement S/PRST/2006/38, it has been nearly two decades since this agenda item was first placed before the Security Council. Recent developments in Guinea-Bissau and Benin demonstrate that the situation in the region remains fragile and requires concerted attention. This underscores the need for renewed support for regional mechanisms, in particular the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and for full adherence to the region’s normative framework, including zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of Government. We therefore welcome the statement by ECOWAS condemning the unconstitutional change in Government in Guinea-Bissau and strongly urge the perpetrators to respect the will and democratic aspirations of the people of Guinea-Bissau. We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all officials and political figures who are being arbitrarily detained. We further commend ECOWAS’ leadership and the Federal Republic of Nigeria for their swift intervention in response to the attempted coup d’état in Benin and welcome the sustained efforts of ECOWAS, including the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force, in support of the Government and people of Benin. As highlighted in the Secretary-General’s report, political tensions linked to electoral processes, restrictions on civic space and institutional reforms continue to test democratic resilience in several countries. The A3+ welcomes the progress achieved across many national contexts, including the successful conclusion of peaceful elections in Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the referendum in Guinea as it continues its political transition process. We commend national stakeholders, regional organizations and international partners, whose efforts continue to sustain peacebuilding gains. The A3+ notes, however, that the political and security environment in West Africa remains deeply challenging. Terrorist groups, including Jama’a Nusrat ul- Islam wa al-Muslimin, Islamic State-Sahel Province, Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram, have intensified their attacks, expanded their geographic reach and disrupted essential services, economic activity and humanitarian access, including through the increasing use of sophisticated weaponry. Through successive engagements in the Council, we have collectively underscored the multidimensional and mutually reinforcing nature of the region’s challenges — political, security, humanitarian and development — exacerbated by the negative effects of climate change. Yet we have also seen positive outcomes, including peaceful transitions, successful mediation and economic growth. These gains demonstrate that peace consolidation in West Africa is attainable. In view of the foregoing, the A3+ wishes to make four points. First, on the indivisibility of regional security and the need for coordinated responses and a common strategy. West Africa’s geographical interconnectedness means that no national crisis is isolated. Border communities have become terrorist hotspots, and insecurity in the central Sahel continues to spill into coastal States. This poses a persistent threat to countries within and beyond the region, since terrorism is inherently cross-border. There is therefore no alternative to broad and effective regional coordination. In this regard, we welcome the participation of countries affected by terrorism, including statements on behalf of the Confederation of Sahel States, at the briefing on peace consolidation in West Africa, held during Sierra Leone’s presidency of the Council in November 2025 (see S/PV.10047). We also welcome the decision in the final communiqué of the sixty-eighth Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government: “to sustain their engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger for effective and strengthened collaboration to tackle the deteriorating security situation in the region”. We emphasize the critical importance of sustained engagement with neighbouring countries to ensure coordinated responses, as dictated by the prevailing security situation across the region. Operational measures, cross-border cooperation, intelligence-sharing and joint border monitoring must be strengthened and sustained. We call for efforts to consolidate existing mechanisms, reinforce partnerships and rebuild trust where strained. We reiterate our call to reinforce and fully leverage continental mechanisms, including the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa, the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation and the African Union Counter Terrorism Centre. We further underscore the importance of experience-sharing among African countries confronting terrorism. Lessons learned from different regional contexts can strengthen collective responses, inform stabilization strategies and reinforce African- led solutions rooted in local realities. We also welcome partnerships that support political trust-building and effective counter-terrorism efforts, including intelligence- sharing and enhanced cross-border security coordination under existing African Union and subregional mechanisms. In this regard, we welcome the relevant commitments reflected in the joint declaration of the seventh African Union-European Union Summit and take note of the European Union’s new strategy for the Sahel. Secondly, on sustaining regional security through regional leadership, the A3+ welcomes steps taken by the Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and other regional leaders, including engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger at various levels, as well as engagements by the African Union. Continued and enhanced cooperation among these actors, with the support of the United Nations, is more urgent than ever. We commend UNOWAS for its facilitation role and support the renewal of its mandate in 2026 to ensure continuity of efforts. The Special Representative’s engagements, including on electoral support, regional security cooperation and the climate change-peace and security nexus, remain indispensable. We welcome the positive expressions of readiness conveyed by delegations during the 18 November briefing to consider the operationalization of resolution 2719 (2023) in the context of counter-terrorism operations in the Sahel. We commend ECOWAS’ efforts, in conjunction with the African Union, towards a shared vision for the deployment of a regional standby force on counter-terrorism, ensuring that it is properly equipped, sustainably financed and rooted in mutual trust, with constant coordination with the African Union. In this regard, we welcome progress, including the operationalization and activation of the regional counter-terrorism brigade and the convening of the committee of chiefs of intelligence services. We also affirm that terrorism should not, under any circumstances, be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or group. International support must be constructive and coherent, respect sovereignty and reinforce regional ownership. Thirdly, on disrupting the financing of terrorism, the A3+ expresses grave concern about the increased sophistication and brutality of terrorist attacks, including the targeting of fuel convoys in Mali, mass casualty attacks in Nigeria and escalating violence in border areas. The expansion of criminal networks, smuggling, drug trafficking and kidnappings for ransom requires stronger and more coherent joint action. We call for the implementation of the Council’s counter-terrorism framework in West Africa, particularly measures to prevent and combat the financing of terrorism. We emphasize enhanced regional cooperation and information-sharing and support for ECOWAS and the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money- Laundering in West Africa to disrupt illicit financing, including through trafficking, kidnapping for ransom and the abuse of informal financial systems, in accordance with international law. We note that the United Nations is preparing for the ninth review of its Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2026, marking its twentieth anniversary. We hope that this review will take full account of all aspects of countering terrorism and emerge as a more comprehensive and effective tool to address the evolving nature of this threat. Fourthly, on advancing conflict prevention by addressing root causes, while military and kinetic action is necessary, it is not sufficient. Military pressure must be accompanied by the visible and trusted presence of the State. Terrorist groups exploit governance vacuums, weak service delivery and limited access to justice to entrench themselves and recruit, particularly in newly stabilized areas. Addressing inequality, lack of opportunity and climate vulnerability must therefore proceed in parallel. We welcome the Peacebuilding Commission’s advice and encourage Member States, United Nations entities and regional institutions to use this guidance in shaping interventions. The Secretary-General’s report also illustrates the acute humanitarian and climate-related pressures affecting nearly all countries in the region, including devastating floods affecting almost 900,000 people. We underscore the transformative potential of the region’s youth. We welcome the Council’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2807 (2025), which further strengthens the youth, peace and security agenda and helps to ensure that young people are empowered as partners in peacebuilding, rather than exploited as instruments of conflict. We welcome Liberia’s adoption of its first youth, peace and security national action plan and note with appreciation that Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea, Mali and Senegal are advancing theirs. Addressing root causes also requires robust humanitarian support for refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities. We urge Member States to fully fund humanitarian appeals, recognizing that only 23 per cent of the United Nations regional appeal has been met. In closing, the A3+ reiterates that peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel depend on regional leadership and sustained coordination, supported by the unity of the Council and broader multilateral efforts. We acknowledge the value of joint initiatives undertaken by the A3+ configuration, including through co- penholdership on UNOWAS with Denmark, and we look forward to sustained momentum on this agenda. As this is the final statement for the A3+ in its current configuration, with the tenure of Algeria, Guyana and my own country, Sierra Leone, drawing to a close at the end of this month, we reaffirm that we have spared no effort in supporting countries in the region, as they confront these challenges, and we have sought to respond to their concerns effectively. Ultimately, the situation in West Africa and the Sahel presents an opportunity for the Council and the broader international community to demonstrate unity, cohesion and a commitment to progress in regionally owned solutions that advance shared security, stability and socioeconomic development.

Let me thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Freeman for her insightful remarks. I will raise three points. First, Denmark is concerned about the situation for democratic governance in West Africa and the Sahel and its consequences for peace and security in the region. Denmark condemns the unconstitutional change of Government in Guinea-Bissau and the attempt to violently seize power in Benin. We call for the immediate return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and underscore the need for electoral processes to resume, with civic rights being upheld. We welcome the recent deployment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Standby Force to Benin to support constitutional order, and we commend the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for their clear stance against unconstitutional changes of Government. Inclusive, democratic governance is essential for peace and justice, as well as for sustainable development. We cannot risk the collapse of governance institutions. We cannot let civic freedoms and human rights be restricted. Secondly, West Africa and the Sahel are facing increasing threats to peace and security. Challenges span from unconstitutional changes of Government to terrorism, increasingly dire consequences of climate change, inequalities and violent conflict — all factors that drive humanitarian needs. These challenges call for stronger regional cooperation, in particular on counter-terrorism efforts, while building on respect for human rights and international law. While strengthening regional responses, we must also support national prevention capacities to face these interlinked challenges. We must support the resilience of communities and countries and ensure that the perspectives of all segments of society are taken into account. Joint strategic planning and analysis between United Nations entities and partners are important in this regard. A comprehensive approach is important to address the situation in the region and could be supported through collaboration between the Council and the Peacebuilding Commission and between the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) and United Nations agencies, funds and programmes. Thirdly, cross-border initiatives and regional collaboration are essential in addressing multidimensional challenges to security and finding a shared path towards peace. At the Security Council meeting in November on peace consolidation in West Africa (see S/PV.10047), we heard from the briefers that there is a need for trust- building among the countries in the region. The briefers shared that such trust- building is essential for counter-terrorism in the region. We support ECOWAS in exercising its roles as a primary regional actor for addressing terrorism in the region, in alignment with other regional initiatives. The African Union and the United Nations should support these efforts by facilitating dialogue and fertilizing the ground for renewed trust between countries in the region. In conclusion, as Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Freeman has outlined, UNOWAS provides important support for regional dialogue and mediation and efforts to strengthen the women and peace and security agenda and the youth, peace and security agenda and provide assistance to nationally owned prevention initiatives. This work remains critical and requires our collective support. As co-penholders for UNOWAS, Denmark looks forward to working with all Council members on the renewal of its mandate in January 2026. As this is the last regular UNOWAS briefing before Sierra Leone concludes its term on the Council, on this occasion I would like to express my gratitude for its important work and leadership in bringing to the Council’s attention the peace and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel. We also look forward to working with Liberia, the incoming West African member of the Council.

We welcome the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/771) and the detailed briefing we just heard from Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Freeman, demonstrating that the situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains alarming. In this regard, allow me to highlight three points. First, with regard to security and regional cooperation, the security situation in the region continues to deteriorate. As noted in the Secretary-General’s latest report, terrorist activities continue to destabilize the Central Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, while expanding across the neighbouring coastal States. The months-long siege of southern Mali by Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin disrupted vital supply routes, demonstrating the evolving and adaptive nature of the threat, including potential exploitation of maritime routes. Greece, as a leading maritime nation, supports enhanced cooperation to strengthen coastal security capacities. The transnational nature of these threats requires well-coordinated responses. That is why Greece is committed to supporting the implementation of resolution 2719 (2023) in West Africa and the Sahel. Further, we are closely following the evolving relationship between the Confederation of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Continued dialogue and engagement are essential to prevent fragmentation and ensure regionally owned, mutually reinforcing counter- terrorism and peacebuilding efforts. In this respect, Greece supports regional mechanisms such as the Accra Initiative, the Multinational Joint Task Force and the operationalization of the ECOWAS Standby Force and welcomes the recent decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union to establish a task force to support the Sahel countries in combating terrorism. Secondly, in terms of governance and political transitions, unconstitutional changes of government not only undermine democratic norms but also complicate stabilization efforts. Regarding the recent events in Guinea-Bissau and Benin, as a matter of principle, Greece reiterates that it condemns any attempt seeking to violate constitutional order or disregard the will of the people. At the same time, we caution the transitional authorities that credible elections underpinned by civic participation and respect for fundamental freedoms remain indispensable for long-term stability. The upcoming polls in Guinea by the end of 2025 and Benin in early 2026 will be crucial tests of institutional resilience and public trust. Thirdly, when it comes to human rights, climate resilience and peacebuilding, human rights must remain central to all regional and international responses. While steps such as Burkina Faso’s recent decision to raise the legal marriage age to 18 are welcome, serious challenges persist. With 32 million people across the Sahel in urgent need of assistance, humanitarian access and funding have reached a critical point, with only 32 per cent of requirements met. This situation is driving cross-border displacement to neighbouring countries, jeopardizing stability in the wider region. As the recent mission of the Informal Expert Group on Climate, Peace and Security to Chad demonstrated, the region’s humanitarian challenges are further compounded by climate-induced shocks. The Sahel’s irregular climate patterns exacerbate resource scarcity, conflict and migration, intensifying competition over scarce resources and laying fertile ground for extremist exploitation. Addressing these interconnected threats requires integrated approaches that advance human rights, climate adaptation and inclusive peacebuilding to strengthen resilience and social cohesion. The region stands at a defining moment in the 50-year history of ECOWAS. As ECOWAS leaders noted at December’s Summit, unity is not optional; it is a survival imperative. Greece reaffirms its commitment to supporting regional and international initiatives for peace, security and sustainable development, and stands ready to contribute to a more prosperous future for the peoples of the region.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Freeman for her briefing. The Republic of Korea condemns the unconstitutional change of Government in Guinea-Bissau. We call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order and the release of all political detainees. We are equally troubled by the attempted coup in Benin and support the firm stance of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in this regard. Given the pattern of successive coups in the region and the risk of recurrence, the Council must remain vigilant and speak out with a clear and unequivocal voice. I would like to highlight three points. First, political fragility and the weakening of regional cooperation across West Africa and the Sahel demand our attention. With presidential elections approaching in several countries in the region, the political transition process faces particular vulnerability. These elections must unify, not divide societies. The promotion of inclusivity is essential in ensuring the meaningful participation of women and youth, while allowing space for diverse views. We appreciate ECOWAS’ commitment to inclusive and constructive dialogue with the Confederation of Sahel States to rebuild trust and forge a coordinated response to shared challenges. Secondly, among those shared challenges, the most salient and urgent is the terrorism that continues to expand across the region. Its tactics are becoming increasingly bold, including kidnapping of foreign nationals and disrupting critical infrastructures, as witnessed in Bamako since last September. Terrorism knows no borders. It requires a collective regional and international response. We encourage strengthened collaboration between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States in the area of counter-terrorism and cross-border governance. Korea will continue contributing to these efforts to alleviate extremist activities, including through its cooperation with the Office of Counter-Terrorism and the Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. Thirdly, the crisis is multidimensional and requires an integrated approach. One of the multipliers of conflict and insecurity is the impact of climate change, as underscored in today’s stakeout and our remarks in previous meetings. I would like to highlight today that young people, who constitute 65 per cent of the region’s total population, are also a key part of this equation. Worsening youth unemployment exacerbates political, economic and social fragility, which in turn is exploited by extremist groups. Addressing this complexity and breaking the vicious circle requires a comprehensive approach that better links climate action, humanitarian response, development and counter-terrorism. In this light, the Security Council and the Peacebuilding Commission need to work together to tackle the root causes of the insecurity in this region. As the situation in West Africa and the Sahel becomes increasingly grave, the Republic of Korea reaffirms its support for ECOWAS, particularly in the areas of counter-terrorism and cross-border governance, and also supports the engagement of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel, which encourages political dialogue.

We would like to thank Ms. Barrie Freeman, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, for her briefing on the current situation in the region and the activities of United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) over the past five months. We support the work done by the Office and its head, Mr. Leonardo Simão, under their existing mandate. Russia has invariably attached great significance to cooperation with West African countries. We welcome the willingness of the members of the Confederation of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to recommit to earlier agreements and incrementally restore relations on a mutually beneficial basis. If this momentum is maintained and the parties remain open to respecting each other’s legitimate interests, we can fully expect to see the restoration of the trust that was previously lost, which is so necessary today for the countries of the region to jointly counter common terrorist threats. At the same time, we remain seriously concerned by the increased activity of terrorist groups in the Sahara-Sahel region. They carry out regular attacks, targeting both soldiers and civilians, and they recruit children and young people and continue to receive financial support from the illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons and minerals and from kidnapping for ransom. Terrorist organizations are gradually bringing the States of the Gulf of Guinea, including Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Togo, into their area of influence. The militants are seeking to control not only populated areas but also supply routes. For our part, we strongly condemn any terrorist manifestations, regardless of ideological or religious motives behind them. We regret to note that a number of external actors are seeking to turn the region into a springboard for the implementation of their own parochial geopolitical and economic misadventures. The widespread information campaign aimed at sowing panic among the civilian population and undermining the credibility of local authorities is something that deserves our condemnation. We consider such activities to be in the interests of terrorist groups. Despite attempts by militants to impose an energy blockade on Mali, we would like to highlight Bamako’s successes in establishing regular fuel supplies and comprehensive security for the country, which has been made possible in part owing to the support of the Russian military. Undoubtedly, this support will continue. We are convinced that lasting peace can only be achieved with the consolidated support of the international community for the efforts of the Confederation of Sahel States, which is at the forefront of the fight against terrorism in the region and embodies the just aspirations of the peoples of the Sahel. We note the efforts to achieve operational readiness of the 5,000-strong Confederation of Sahel States joint defence force. The countries of the Sahel have conducted a series of successful joint operations, during which terrorists have suffered serious losses. We call for continued dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States. We believe that regional counter-terrorism initiatives, including the implementation of the financial framework of resolution 2719 (2023), cannot be fully effective without the consent and participation of the Sahel troika. The situation in north-eastern Nigeria in the Lake Chad basin remains tense, owing to ongoing terrorist attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province. Problems also persist in Chad, whose authorities are compelled to cope not only with terrorist fighters, but also with the influx of refugees from its neighbour, the Sudan. Moscow is alarmed by domestic political instability in a number of States of West Africa and the overall crises in the region. We are closely following the developments in Guinea-Bissau in the aftermath of November’s general presidential and parliamentary elections. We believe that the path towards stabilization should lie solely through dialogue among all political forces, and within the framework of law and order. We also call for the practice of using sanctions and excluding countries from regional structures, which will do nothing but exacerbate the political situation and civilians’ suffering, to be abandoned. Examples of that abound. We welcome the prompt steps taken to resolve the crisis in Benin and restore constitutional order. We note the concerted efforts by ECOWAS to quell the rebels’ actions. We hope that the attempted coup will not disrupt preparations for the upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections in Benin. We call on the political forces of the countries in the region to exercise restraint and ensure broad national dialogue to resolve sovereign problems. Attempts by foreign Powers to interfere in the region’s affairs are counterproductive. We would like to recall that it is for the Africans themselves to decide what is beneficial and what is not regarding counter-terrorism or pursuing political and economic development. They are guided by the opinion of their people and their needs, as they are directly accountable to them. As we approach the renewal of the UNOWAS mandate, we reiterate our support for defining clear, concise and carefully balanced powers therein. We call on Council members to focus the Office’s efforts on establishing international, regional and subregional cooperation, strengthening political ties and carefully considering the priorities and humanitarian needs of recipient countries. Any vague objectives detached from reality, such as the promotion of human rights, gender equality and preventive measures, will be met with hostility by States and will undermine their trust in the United Nations.

First of all, I thank the Deputy Special Representative, Ms. Barrie Freeman, for her briefing, and I welcome the presence of the representatives of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. I would now like to make three points. First, in the past few weeks, the region has experienced major upheavals or attempts at upheaval, which are undermining its stability. The coup d’état in Guinea- Bissau on 26 November and the failed coup attempt in Benin on 7 December add to a worrisome general trend of destabilization of governance in the region and destabilization of democratic practices. France condemns any attempt to seize power by force and supports the mediation efforts carried out by the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Guinea-Bissau. The principle of African solutions to African problems does not mean that the Security Council is indifferent to Africa. It means that the Council must bolster the efforts of regional organizations to support member countries in the region. In this regard, my country welcomes ECOWAS’s rapid and decisive intervention in Benin to ensure respect for the constitutional order and protect institutions. Faced with this dynamic of destabilization, the Council responsible for international peace and security has a responsibility, in the name of that peace and stability, to condemn outright attempts at coups d’état, stand on the side of constitutional stability and good governance and discourage opportunistic temptations synonymous with destabilization and adventurism. France regrets that a Member State decided to block a position by the Security Council in recent weeks, thereby going against the clear requests of the region. Secondly, this stability is essential for the region to be able to focus on the security challenges it faces. As the report of the Secretary-General (S/2025/771) points out, the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin continue to face unsustainable terrorist violence, which France is fighting with determination. This violence has devastating human and humanitarian consequences. Last month’s meeting of the Council, convened at the initiative of the Sierra Leonean presidency (see S/PV.10047), stressed that, beyond the necessary action against terrorist groups, priority must be given to restoring regional dialogue and trust with the international community. France welcomes ECOWAS’s efforts in this regard. It is necessary to return to the path of cooperation to respond collectively to the challenges affecting the region. Lastly, this meeting provides an opportunity to discuss the upcoming renewal of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). The mission plays an important role in informing the Council on political developments in West Africa and the Sahel, supporting regional partnerships and promoting good governance and respect for the rule of law — essential elements in maintaining international peace and security. Given the challenges facing the region, France considers that the frequency of three annual reports, as has been the case since 2024, has demonstrated its relevance and should be kept. We also believe that the renewal of the mandate is an opportunity to strengthen UNOWAS’s resources in the fight against disinformation and propaganda, which is essential for an informed and peaceful democratic life. In conclusion, this region is facing enormous structural challenges: climate change, which must be addressed, and the invention of a development model to cope with rapid population growth. This region needs peace and stability to achieve this; the Council must help in that regard.

We, too, congratulate Ambassador Michael Imram Kanu and his team from Sierra Leone for their leadership and commitment throughout their two years on the Security Council. We also congratulate Denmark as co-penholder. I thank the Slovenian presidency for convening this meeting and Deputy Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel Barrie Freeman for her presentation. Panama considers the West Africa and Sahel region to be key to maintaining peace and security in neighbouring regions, which is why the mediation and dialogue efforts of strategic partners are vital to resolving the instability that this region is experiencing. The root causes of the situations on the ground, such as terrorism, violent extremism, the proliferation of organized crime groups, irregular migration to other regions and the effects of climate change, must be addressed in a comprehensive manner. Education and initiatives to include young people and women in decision- making are essential to combat the recruitment of young people into armed and extremist groups and to reduce irregular migration flows. To a large extent, people migrate and are recruited when there is the promise of a more dignified life — a promise that is not feasible and tends to be a mirage if not made in appropriate, regular and safe conditions. However, terrorism continues to destroy the social fabric of these countries and open wounds that are very difficult for victims to heal. The activities of Islamic State and Boko Haram leave nothing but poverty and instability in their wake, which is why counter-terrorism strategies must be coordinated and organized among strategic partners to achieve concrete results. For this reason, the situation in the Confederation of Sahel States is worrisome, and we urge all parties with influence to continue their efforts to rebuild trust with these States, which must return to the rule of law and respect international law. The Confederation’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court must serve as a warning that these efforts are more important than ever at this time in order to maintain regional stability. Panama also condemns coups d’état and does not recognize them as an appropriate means of bringing about institutional change, as seen recently in Guinea- Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin. Democratic means and the rule of law are the appropriate ways to resolve these situations, which otherwise not only affect countries internally but also spill over to their neighbours and exacerbate the already worrisome crises of migrants and displaced persons who leave these areas in search of a better future. We also support the considerations in the report of the Secretary- General (S/2025/771) regarding development, water management, food security programmes and job creation, as social cohesion depends on implementing them in the Sahel and in all neighbouring countries in the region that meet the conditions for their implementation with the support of the United Nations. We wish to give a special mention to the Office of the Special Coordinator for Development in the Sahel, whose support is crucial in this process. Panama takes the view that for development to materialize in some of these countries, in particular in the Sahel region, there must be a modicum of stability and security to allow for investment from both the private sector and international financial institutions such as the World Bank and other actors. The mobilization of predictable economic and financial resources is key if the situation is to normalize and programmes are to be implemented with the support of important stakeholders. This consideration is particularly pertinent to the advanced state of climate change in that region — a situation that is compounding conflict among groups and that, as a result of physical changes to the soil, is prompting humans to compete for essential life-sustaining resources. Those programmes will come into being — we repeat — only with the reinstatement of the rule of law and constitutional order so as to allow the participation of civil society and non-governmental organizations working to defend human rights and quell violence. We call on the African Union, led by Angola, alongside other regional actors, to pursue mediation efforts, notwithstanding the Confederation’s departure from that organization, so as to avert a potentially irreversible regional spillover. We welcome the regional initiatives that have emerged, particularly through the involvement of the Economic Community of West African States and the United Nations, among other organizations, as a coalition for peace in the Sahel. Panama is unwavering in upholding, as a cornerstone, the principles of the Charter of the United Nations which every Member State must fully observe and implement. Accordingly, we support the initiatives for political dialogue that have been introduced to address recent instances of destabilization in the region. Without peace and security, there is no development, and without development, there is no prosperity.

We thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary- General Barrie Freeman for her detailed briefing. We welcome the presence of the representatives of Côte d’Ivoire and Benin. The Secretary-General’s latest report on the developments in West Africa and the Sahel (S/2025/771) provides a stark reminder of both the fragility of the region and the promise it continues to hold. While several countries of the region advanced electoral processes, political dialogue and institutional reforms, security conditions remain daunting. In this context, we continue to closely follow the developments in Guinea-Bissau and Benin and the efforts undertaken by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Regional diplomacy and dialogue remain the most viable pathways to resolving differences. We are extremely concerned that activities by terrorist groups have intensified, with attacks expanding from the Central Sahel into coastal areas. Terrorist entities continue to exploit porous borders, illicit trafficking routes, online radicalization tools and criminal networks. In view of the current situation in the region, allow me to underscore the following points. First, Pakistan reaffirms its steadfast commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the countries of the region. We stand in full solidarity with the Governments and peoples of West Africa and the Sahel, as they continue to confront the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism. Pakistan’s partnership with Africa is historic and deep-rooted. Our peacekeepers have served with distinction across the continent. We stand ready to share our counter-terrorism experience, including expertise in intelligence coordination, border management and deradicalization efforts. Secondly, the deteriorating security landscape demands a collective and well- coordinated response. As Pakistan has previously emphasized, strengthening mutual trust among Member States of the region remains critical for coordinated counter- terrorism action. Frameworks such as ECOWAS, the Accra Initiative and the Multinational Joint Task Force must be strengthened and adequately resourced. We welcome the establishment of the ECOWAS Standby Force and support the Secretary- General’s call for accelerating efforts towards its operationalization. Thirdly, regionally led frameworks must be reinforced. The evolving cooperation between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States is encouraging and must continue. Pakistan supports the efforts of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel to facilitate constructive engagement and help to maintain channels of dialogue. Fourthly, a multidimensional approach is essential — one that addresses not only kinetic threats but also the political, economic, climatic and social drivers of instability. Such challenges require a whole-of-government and a whole-of-society approach that empowers youth and women, promotes education, creates livelihoods and fosters trust in State institutions. Lastly, the Secretary-General’s report highlights significant challenges facing the region, including food insecurity, poverty and inflation. We cannot remain indifferent to these developments. The international community must step up its efforts to address the urgent humanitarian needs of more than 6.9 million people across the Central Sahel. In conclusion, Pakistan stands ready to support all collective efforts aimed at supporting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region.

I thank Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Freeman for her briefing, and I welcome the participation in today’s meeting of the representatives of Côte d’Ivoire and Benin. I will make three points. First, we strongly condemn the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin. These actions undermine democratic governance across the region. We urge a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the publication of official election results and the immediate release of political prisoners. We commend the mediation efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union and their leadership. Secondly, we underscore the importance of regional cooperation to tackle the transnational security challenges in the region. Terrorist attacks, organized crime and climate change continue to destabilize communities and weaken national governance. Regional coordination is critical, and we welcome the work towards a regional standby force and efforts to build on the ECOWAS counter-terrorism strategy. We commend, too, the increased engagement between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States. We also welcome the progress made by Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the International Court of Justice judgment on their land and maritime boundaries. This is a good example of regional cooperation improving security. Thirdly, we remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Central Sahel, where an estimated 12.1 million people will require urgent assistance in 2026. As reflected in the Secretary-General’s report (S/2025/771), access challenges and bureaucratic impediments continue to undermine the timely and efficient delivery of life-saving assistance. We urge all efforts to be directed to ensuring rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need. In conclusion, the United Kingdom will continue to support the important work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and regional organizations to help to build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel.

I thank Deputy Special Representative Freeman for her insightful briefing and offer our sincere condolences to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão and his family. I, too, would like to make three key points today. First, terrorism continues to ravage the lives of millions across the Sahel and has spread and shifted southward, and we condemn in the strongest terms all attacks by terrorist organizations. The United States remains concerned about the situation in Mali in particular and acknowledges the counter-terrorism efforts of the Malian Armed Forces. In Nigeria, the ongoing slaughter of thousands of Christians by various ethnic militias in the Middle Belt, as well as terrorist groups like Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the north, is both tragic and unacceptable. The mass abduction of students and teachers from religious schools in Nigeria is nothing short of barbaric. As President Trump has made clear, we cannot and will not stand by while such atrocities occur on a regular basis and without consequence. That is why the United States is taking decisive action under a new policy that will allow the State Department to restrict visa issuances to individuals who have directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in or carried out violations of religious freedom. The kidnapping and killing of innocent Christians must end, as must terrorist violence against all Nigerian faith communities. I am proud to say that, following important engagements with key leaders in Washington, D.C. the Government of Nigeria has taken some steps to address these issues. And I commend these efforts, but much more remains to be done. The United States calls for accountability for attacks perpetrated by Al-Qaida-affiliated terrorists, Islamic State Sahel Province, Islamic State West Africa Province, Boko Haram and all other terrorist groups operating in the region. Secondly, we urge the Sahelian States and their coastal West African neighbors to set aside their differences and seek a coordinated response to terrorism, one that respects the rule of law and human rights, including military cooperation and intelligence-sharing. African leadership, with a coordinated response among all countries in the region, is critical. The United States, in turn, will continue to work with its regional partners to counter these common threats. I would like to also briefly raise recent events in Guinea-Bissau and Benin. The United States is closely following developments in Guinea-Bissau. We call on all stakeholders to refrain from violence. On Benin, the United States strongly condemns the acts of violence perpetrated against the Government recently on 7 December. We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to all those affected by these acts of violence. Finally, the crisis unfolding in the Sudan continues to have far reaching impacts on peace and security in the Sahel. The United States calls on all belligerents in the Sudan to immediately commit to and comply with a humanitarian truce without conditions. The people of the Sudan cannot wait any longer. It is past time to end the violence.

China thanks the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Freeman, for her briefing. We commend the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel for its contributions to promoting regional peace and development and will continue to support its work. I also welcome the representatives of Benin and Côte d'Ivoire to today’s meeting. Since the most recent review (see S/PV.9974), the countries of West Africa and the Sahel have made considerable efforts to maintain regional peace and stability and have achieved notable progress. At the same time, the region continues to face multiple political and security challenges, and the deterioration of the situation in some countries is cause for concern. The international community must continue to provide constructive support to help countries in the region resolve their governance, security and development challenges and make greater efforts to achieve genuine peace and stability. I would like to make three points. First, we must steadily advance the regional electoral process. Currently, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and the Gambia are actively preparing for elections at various levels, while Togo, Liberia and Senegal have made new progress in strengthening national governance. Those efforts deserve recognition. With many countries in the region are entering election years, the smooth advancement of major political agendas will help maintain domestic unity and stability. The countries concerned should make thorough preparations, bridge differences and build consensus through peaceful, inclusive and candid dialogue, thereby bringing more stability to the political process. The international community should provide assistance in areas such as voter registration, election financing and constituency planning based on the actual needs of the countries concerned and with respect for their sovereignty and ownership. Secondly, regional counter-terrorism cooperation must be revitalized. In recent years, the Sahel region has become a hotbed of international terrorism, with increasing attacks and increasing collusion among terrorist forces. These groups continue to spread towards western coastal areas by employing tactics such as economic blockades and armed kidnappings. Against this backdrop, regional counter- terrorism cooperation must be strengthened, not weakened. Regional countries must enhance their collective security awareness, proactively cooperate with regional mechanisms such as the Economic Community of West African States and the Multinational Joint Task Force, and continue to strengthen the region’s security defences to prevent fragmentation. The international community should draw on lessons from past experiences and implement more pragmatic measures to help regional countries enhance their independent counter-terrorism capabilities and address security vulnerabilities. Thirdly, attention must be focused on regional socioeconomic development challenges. While the region’s macroeconomy continues to grow steadily, it still faces challenges such as high inflation, debt servicing difficulties, and commodity price volatility. The international community should prioritize assisting regional countries in achieving sustainable development. Based on each country’s policy priorities, it should provide more long-term investments in areas such as infrastructure, education and employment to support regional economic recovery. China welcomes Liberia’s national action plan for youth development and looks forward to greater attention to youth development across the region. Empowering youth through education and vocational training will enable them to become the vanguard of economic development, national revitalization and counter-terrorism. China is a good friend and partner to the countries of West Africa and the Sahel region and stands ready to work with African nations to fully implement the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa through frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative. We will strengthen relevant bilateral and multilateral cooperation to make greater contributions to addressing regional governance, security and development deficits, thereby laying a solid foundation for lasting peace.

I will now deliver a statement in my national capacity as the representative of Slovenia. I would like to begin by welcoming the representatives of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to this Chamber. I would like to thank Deputy Special Representative Freeman for her comprehensive briefing and valuable insights into recent developments in West Africa and the Sahel. We express condolences to Special Representative of the Secretary-General Simão. Throughout our tenure on the Security Council, Slovenia has closely followed the work of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel and the developments in the region. Regrettably, we have witnessed a gradual erosion of sustained international attention. As the Council spoke less, as humanitarian funding quietly decreased, the people across the region continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of profound and multidimensional crises. They face insecurity, humanitarian hardship, development challenges, floods and droughts, and political instability. Often at the same time. Turning first to the voice of the people of the region, Slovenia stresses the importance of elections that are inclusive, credible and truly representative. We are closely following the upcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, as well as Benin and the Gambia in 2026. Genuine participation and respect for the will of the people will be essential for stability and trust in institutions. It goes without saying — and yet it needs to be said again — Slovenia strongly condemns the coup d’état in Guinea-Bissau. We call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the release of all detainees and the continuation of the work of the electoral commission. The recent attempted coup in Benin is also of a serious concern. Turning now to the worsening security situation: as highlighted in Ms. Freeman’s briefing, terrorist attacks, intercommunal violence and transnational crime remain persistent and deadly across the region. We condemn all attacks against civilians and humanitarian operations. We are particularly concerned about the increasingly sophisticated methods and means used by terrorist groups, including advanced weapons and drones. More must be done to disrupt their financing and supply networks. I wish to take today’s opportunity to call on all actors with influence to prevent the financing of terrorism, stop the flow of arms and ammunition and avoid fueling social, ethnic and religious divisions. In this context, Slovenia welcomes efforts to restore dialogue between the Economic Community of West African States and the Confederation of Sahel States. Political divisions simply must not allow the creation of space for terrorist and violent extremist groups to expand their influence. Finally, I wish to highlight the resilience of the people of West Africa and the Sahel. The numbers are stark. More than 1 million people have been affected by floods this season. More than 5 million remain displaced by conflict. Tens of millions face food insecurity. Yes, communities continue to adapt and endure, however this cannot — and should not — last. Resilience alone is not enough. The Security Council and the wider United Nations system must support these efforts by helping reduce tensions, prevent conflict, and create sustainable livelihoods. During our recent informal experts' field mission, Security Council members saw first-hand how the engagement of local youth and women peacebuilders, active transboundary water cooperation and effective early warning tools can reduce risks. Combined with traditional knowledge and nature-based solutions, these efforts help communities live side by side and endure in a region that too often receives too little attention. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to the representative of Benin.

I have the distinct honor conveying to the Council the warm greetings of Mr. Olushegun Adjadi Bakari, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Benin, who is unable to directly address the Council by videoconference and has instructed me to deliver the following statement on his behalf. “I thank the Council for giving me the floor at this meeting devoted to the situation in West Africa and the Sahel. I speak today on behalf of my country, the Republic of Benin. Following the events that occurred on 9 December 2025, during which an attempt to undermine the constitutional order was swiftly thwarted by the defence and security forces, which remained loyal to republican principles in strict respect for our institutions and the Constitution. Thanks to the discipline of the republican forces, the responsible attitude of the population and the support of brotherly countries of the Economic Community of West African States, the situation was brought under control without lasting disruption to national life. Institutions continued to function normally, and the constitutional order was fully preserved. “From the very first hours, the competent judicial authorities were seized of the matter. Proceedings are currently underway, conducted with independence, rigor and restraint, in order to establish the facts and identify individual accountability in full respect of the presumption of innocence and procedural guarantees. These ongoing proceedings have already led to the issuance of international arrest warrants against individuals implicated for their participation in this reprehensible act. This makes it possible to examine all responsibility across the board, including any form of possible individual involvement beyond our borders. Benin remains committed to appropriate judicial cooperation, so that each person answers for their actions in accordance with the law. It is important to emphasize before the Council that, since the functioning of the State was rapidly restored, no exceptional measures were taken. No state of emergency was declared. No public freedom was suspended. This restraint is no coincidence. It reflects the strength of Benin's institutions and their constant attachment to the rule of law. “The events of the 7 December must not be analysed in isolation. The form part of a regional context, marked by persistent institutional weakness, in which the prevention of disruptions to the constitutional order remains a major collective challenge. In a context where certain regional mechanisms are weakened or inoperative, the United Nations remains the central multilateral framework for documenting facts, exercising collective vigilance and preventing any escalation. Benin has not come to seek pity. We have come to assume our responsibility to inform calmly, to cooperate faithfully and to contribute to regional stability through respect for the law. Our country will calmly continue our national life and the preparation of the electoral deadlines scheduled for 2026 in accordance with the Constitution and our democratic commitments. “Benin did not respond to this ordeal through exception but through the law, and it is through our faithfulness to the law more than through force that nations sustainably preserve peace.”

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

My delegation congratulates Slovenia on its presidency of the Security Council and thanks the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the situation in West Africa and the Sahel (S/2025/771), as well as the Special Representative, for whom we have great respect, for his continued commitment to the cause of our subregion. My country also takes this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to the members of the Security Council for their renewed attention towards peacebuilding in West Africa and the Sahel. A few weeks ago, my country, continuing its march toward the consolidation of democracy and progress, held its presidential elections in accordance with national legislation and international electoral standards. The smooth conduct of the elections, which was praised by all national and international observers present, testifies to the maturity and vitality of the Republic's institutions, the civic engagement of the population and the responsibility of all stakeholders. True to its path of political stability and social cohesion, Côte d'Ivoire renews its commitment to pursuing sustainable, inclusive and equitable development for the well-being of all its citizens and in a spirit of constructive partnership with the international community. My delegation would like to commend the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) for its support in promoting dialogue and cohesion and takes note of the recommendations in the report. However, Côte d’Ivoire remains deeply concerned about the continuing deterioration of regional security, as described in the report. The expansion of terrorist groups into border areas and coastal States, attacks on economic corridors and targeted violence against civilian populations demonstrate that today’s threat is both transnational and increasingly complex. In this context, my delegation would like to reaffirm that the fight against terrorism cannot rely solely on the most exposed States. This vital struggle requires collective action, based on information-sharing, the pooling of capabilities and increased support for regional initiatives, particularly those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Côte d'Ivoire therefore fully supports efforts to strengthen convergence between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States, because the challenge is shared and the response must be coordinated and united. The report also highlights the alarming humanitarian and climate impact, including more than 5 million displaced persons, nearly 900,000 affected by flooding and insufficient humanitarian funding. My country would like to reiterate here that sustainable security also requires the protection of vulnerable communities, access to basic services and bolstering resilience in border areas. My delegation would like to reiterate the importance of sustained investment in prevention, particularly through the integration of climatic factors, support for young people and women and the strengthening of local governance in areas at risk. Without prevention, no security efforts can produce lasting results. In conclusion, Côte d’Ivoire reaffirms its commitment to a stable, resilient and peaceful West Africa and Sahel. My delegation calls on all international partners to remain mobilized alongside the States of the region, in a spirit of solidarity and shared responsibility.