YouSaid · the spoken record

Chambas

lines on the record: 282
first: 2003-03-18
most recent: 2023-03-30
sittings or episodes: 23
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“The United Nations, through this body, has already expressed its solidarity on silencing the guns. The support of multilateral and bilateral partners will also go a long way to helping to silence the guns by 2030 and helping us realize a peaceful, secure, democratic, participative, inclusive and prosperous Africa — the Africa we want — by 2063.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“The scourge of international terrorism, conflict and instability in Africa, which is driven by internal and external factors, negatively impacts the prospects for sustained development and addressing the pressing needs of the people. The recent unconstitutional changes of Government and the re-emergence of coup d’états must also be addressed. The AU and its regional economic communities continue to adopt measures to strengthen conflict prevention and mediation, ensure good governance, strengthen democratic institutions and enhance the role of women and empower young people at the subregional, national and community levels. Silencing the guns will require ownership by subregional bodies, national Governments and, above all, by the African peoples and active civil society. The support of Africa’s partners and friends is also required.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“In that regard, climate financing, carbon credit trading and other mechanisms should be made a reality through simplified, flexible and quick disbursement methods in order to release the required funds to meet Africa’s climate financing gap. As I conclude, allow me to reiterate what the United Nations and the AU, as well as Special Adviser Duarte, have repeatedly underscored, namely, the nexus between peace and security, development, governance and respect for human rights. That is the mantra of both the Sustainable Development Goals and the AU’s Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. In that regard, the discussion today is intrinsically linked with that of the high-level debate held by the Council on 28 March on counter-terrorism (see S/PV.9296).”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“The African Continental Free Trade Area plans to move Africa through a paradigm shift that takes it away from being a producer and exporter of raw materials to being an exporter of manufactured and agriculturally processed goods and services, such as tourism and labour. To achieve that paradigm shift, there is an urgent need for investment in national and cross-border infrastructure to facilitate the free movement of persons, goods and services. Seventh, although Africa contributes the least to global warming, it is committed to playing its part in the green transition, albeit at a variable speed. New estimates by the African Development Bank show that Africa will need between $1.18 billion and $1.45 billion annually to implement its commitments under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and its nationally determined contributions.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“We have a young population with a growing middle class, whose demand for industrial goods is 1.5 times higher than the global average. We must create a “Made in Africa” standard, which once operational will promote competitiveness among qualifying companies and contribute to the removal of technical barriers to trade. The process of deglobalization is under way; since the 1970s, Africa has experienced a progressive decline in its share of global trade, from 6 per cent to its current share of 2.7 per cent. Having adopted the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is a source of foreign exchange and technology transfers, inter alia, the African Union is still committed to international trade.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“It is untenable that a continent with 60 per cent of the world’s remaining arable lands, as well as many rivers and freshwater bodies, should be dependent for its grains on external sources. The agricultural parks will also promote, through specialization, regional and continental value chains in agriculture. Fifth, sustainable industrialization is another key focus area. In that regard, collaboration with partners will involve capacity-building for rural cooperatives, agricultural processing, capacity-building for the production of intermediate goods from Africa’s vast array of natural resources, capacity-building to mainstream research and development in order to boost innovation, and the development of regional and continental value chains. Sixth, the African Continental Free Trade Area market has a bright future.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“In that respect, the mobilization of domestic resources should be prioritized, with a particular emphasis on fighting against illicit financial flows, which deprive the continent of approximately $90 billion annually. Third, digital technologies offer us a chance to unlock new pathways for rapid and inclusive economic growth, as well as innovation, job creation and access to services. Africa has several successful and dynamic headline ecosystems. The mobile money revolution is a well-known example, as are the cultural industries, in particular those of music and film-making. Fourth, the development of agricultural parks is aimed at making Africa food secure, and ultimately a net food exporter.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“First, Africa must embark on people-centred recovery and transformation. It must give prominence to investment in human capital development and utilization, including through investment in education and science; a focus on employability; investment in technology and innovation; and investment in health; harnessing the demographic dividend by investing, inter alia, in the growth of decent employment opportunities; leveraging the African diaspora; mainstreaming informal sectors into formal sectors; investing in gender equality and youth empowerment; and investing in the development of morality, integrity, discipline, self-esteem and self-confidence. Second, for that transformation to be attained and sustained, there is a need to secure abundant financial resources.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Economic Report on Africa 2021 observed that the COVID-19 pandemic pushed 55 million Africans into poverty in 2020 and reversed more than two decades of progress in poverty reduction on the continent. Equally alarming is the fact that 15 African countries are reportedly at risk of debt distress. In fact, the total African debt that was forgiven under the multilateral debt relief initiative two decades ago was in the region of $300 billion. Today Africa is once again in debt, to the tune of more than $600 billion. Going forward, we could — and should — foster recovery and transformation in Africa in order to reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities, thereby getting us closer to silencing the guns. I would like to highlight a number of issues in that regard.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Africa’s vulnerability to global economic shocks and the weak implementation of the protocols and decisions taken at the national, subregional, continental and international levels with regard to peace and security and development on the African continent are also contributory factors. Regrettably, we are also witnessing a widening gap between richer and poorer nations at the international level, as well as a widening gap at the national level between the elite and the marginalized and poor communities and populations. It is estimated that the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, for instance, has wiped out most of the gains made in Africa by increasing the number of persons living in extreme poverty.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“When the AU Heads of State and Government adopted the Silencing the Guns initiative, they were motivated by a desire to bequeath to future generations of Africa a continent free of war and conflict. The objective was to work for an Africa at peace with itself and with the rest of the world. The Security Council, consistent with the AU-United Nations strategic partnership, rallied behind that initiative by adopting resolution 2457 (2019). The topic of today’s debate is timely. It comes at a moment when Africa is faced with multiple challenges that are putting the attainment of the noble objectives of the Silencing the Guns initiative at risk, even by the new deadline of 2030. The causes of those challenges are historical, constitutional, institutional, economic, social and cultural. They also relate to the impact of climate change.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“Mr. Chambas: It is an honour to address the Security Council today. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the kind invitation to address the Council, and to take this opportunity to commend you and your Government for convening this important open debate on the impact of development policies in the implementation of the Silencing the Guns initiative of the African Union (AU). Speaking of which, I would also like to join Special Adviser Cristina Duarte in commending you, Sir, as well as your Government and the people of Mozambique, for providing an example of a successful peace process, which I believe can be a model for lesson-sharing on our continent.”
2023-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9299 (2023) · source
“UNOWAS will continue to work in tandem with regional and other partners to convey consistent and firm messages in that regard, especially as we commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 (2000) this year, in which, I might add, West African women played an important role 20 years ago. In conclusion, as I have just outlined, the stakes are high in the region this year, in terms of both security and political developments. As the UNOWAS mandate is renewed, we count on the Council’s continued full support to accomplish the tasks assigned to us.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The resumption of dialogue in Guinea, with the impetus generated by the United Nations and partners, has yielded timely results, including the release of political prisoners. The United Nations reiterates its calls on national stakeholders to overcome their differences in the spirit of building consensus in order to ensure the holding of peaceful legislative elections scheduled for February. In the months ahead, UNOWAS will continue working closely with all national stakeholders and regional partners, especially ECOWAS, to promote consensus and inclusiveness in all the elections to be conducted in the region. In that regard, UNOWAS will also continue to urge Member States in the region to adopt legislation or implement existing laws to promote the participation of women and youth in those important milestone polls.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The United Nations will continue to support the Government and the people of Guinea-Bissau in their efforts towards consolidating peace and development. On 22 February, Togo will hold its next presidential election. Following recent electoral and constitutional reforms, it is urgent that any outstanding pre- and post-electoral grievances be addressed using legal channels. Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea and the Niger are also preparing for polls later in the year. Unresolved grievances, incomplete national reconciliation processes and the sentiment that institutions and processes are being manipulated carry risks of tensions and manifestations of political violence.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Dialogue with citizens and across political divides is taking place in several countries. For example, the people of the Gambia have successfully concluded the second round of public consultations on a new constitution and peacefully conducted the truth, reconciliation and reparations process. In Sierra Leone, Mauritania, Senegal and elsewhere, encouraging dialogues are under way with a view to promoting national unity. In the months ahead, the electorates in six West African countries will choose their leaders in democratic contests. In that vein, the people of Guinea-Bissau and their Electoral Commission deserve congratulations for the exemplary conduct of last year’s presidential election, which marked an important step forward in Guinea-Bissau’s democratic development.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“UNOWAS also worked closely with the Mano River Union to resuscitate the basin’s cross- border security and confidence-building measures. Farmer-herder clashes remain some of the most violent local conflicts in the region. Close to 70 per cent of West Africa’s population is dependent on agriculture and livestock rearing for a living. That is why it is so important to ensure peaceful coexistence between farmers and herders. Climate change, among other multiple factors, is increasingly exacerbating farmer- herder conflicts. The impact of climate change on security also spawns a negative relationship among climate change, social cohesion, irregular migration and criminality in some places. The all-too-worrying trends in terms of security must not distract from positive political developments in many parts of West Africa and the Sahel.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The African Union-Lake Chad Basin Commission Regional Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Strategy for Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region is also a regional approach that sets the parameters for early warning and early engagement on all forms of local conflicts. Now is the time for action. Regional and subregional leaders must follow through on the pledges made, and international partners must lend their full support to the implementation of existing mechanisms. We need to prioritize a cross-pillar approach at all levels and across all sectors to ensure the most effective support for Governments in the region. The United Nations response in the Sahel serves as a template in this approach.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Governments, local actors, regional organizations and the international community are mobilizing across West Africa and the Sahel to respond to terrorism and violent extremism. Indeed, many solid frameworks, resolutions and declarations already exist at the strategic level. On 21 December, at its Summit of Heads of State and Government, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) adopted a 2020-2024 action plan for the eradication of terrorism in the subregion, following the Community’s extraordinary summit in Ouagadougou in September, during which it pledged to mobilize $1 billion internally.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“The terrorist attacks are also often deliberate efforts by violent extremists to capture weapons and trafficking routes and engage in other illicit activities, including illegal artisanal mining, in certain areas that sustain their networks. Terrorism, organized crime and intercommunal violence are often intertwined. This is especially true in peripheral areas where the State’s presence is weak. In those places, extremists provide safety and protection to populations, as well as social services, in exchange for loyalty. For that reason, at the July 2019 High-level Conference on Counter Terrorism and Prevention of Violent Extremism Conducive to Terrorism, in Nairobi, the Secretary-General emphasized that counter- terrorism responses must focus on gaining the trust and support of local populations.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“As I emphasized during my briefing to the Security Council of 16 December 2019 (see S/PV.8685), relentless attacks on civilian and military targets have shaken public confidence. In Burkina Faso, Mali and the Niger, casualties from terrorist attacks have increased five-fold since 2016, with more than 4,000 deaths reported in 2019 alone as compared with an estimated 770 deaths in 2016. Most significantly, the geographic focus of terrorist attacks has shifted eastward from Mali to Burkina Faso and the Niger and is increasingly threatening West African coastal States. The number of people killed in Burkina Faso increased from 80 in 2016 to more than 1,800 in 2019. The number of displaced persons has also increased — in this case, ten-fold — to about half a million, in addition to the 25,000 who have sought refuge in neighbouring countries.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Mr. Chambas: I am honoured to be here today to brief the Council on the latest report of the Secretary- General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) (S/2019/1005). Since my most recent briefing in this forum, in July 2019 (see S/PV.8585), the West Africa and Sahel region has experienced a devastating surge in terrorist attacks against civilian and military targets. The humanitarian consequences are alarming. I will highlight some of these challenges as well as ongoing initiatives to tackle them. I will also address overall political developments in the region, with a focus on forthcoming elections this year. The West Africa and Sahel region has been shaken by unprecedented terrorist violence in recent months.”
2020-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8698 (2020) · source
“Targeted sanctions and other measures recommended by panels of experts are relevant for leverage in this case. Illegal trafficking in gold in particular has been increasingly documented and exposed. The ECOWAS summit held in Ouagadougou in September and yesterday's G-5 Summit in Niamey, as well as the discussions planned for the ECOWAS summit to held on 21 December in Abuja, highlight the undeterred regional solidarity and the commitment to bring this violence to an end. The Security Council's support for the region cannot falter at this juncture. The presentation of the Secretary-General's report and consultations on UNOWAS'S mandate in January will provide us with more opportunities to review the complexity of the security dynamics in the region and pathways to peace and security.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“There are many grass-roots initiatives in that regard, such as the interfaith coalitions in the Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in Nigeria that actively work to curtail Boko Haram from recruiting members. Local peacemakers also benefit from the support of the Finland-based Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, launched in 2013. Bilateral assistance at the country level throughout the region is also increasingly looking into grass-roots reconciliation initiatives. The Council can play a decisive role in supporting all those efforts. In addition to donor and technical support, assistance on security-related and law enforcement matters remains vital. Curbing the financial and support corridors used by armed groups and their links with illegal trade requires international cooperation.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“We have seen progress in recent months in curbing violence between herders and farmers as a result of grass-roots dialogue initiated in Mali, the Niger and Nigeria. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is also gathering best practices from the region, drawing on traditional dispute resolution mechanisms. Remedies to violent extremism in particular are being put in place in many West African countries. They consist of common denominators, political will, courageous local actors and the involvement of women and young people. As Security Council resolution 2250 (2015) emphasizes, youth are at the heart of such responses. Social and traditional media have a key role to play in curbing violent ideologies and religious intolerance, as a means to address hateful narratives.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“National Governments fully welcome the efforts to strengthen justice and police institutions under the various initiatives by the Group of Seven and the Sahel Alliance. The United Nations system should also be mobilized in that regard. Regional organizations remain our first counterparts for conflict resolution in the region. The recent African Union conference on access to natural resources and conflict between communities held with the assistance of United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Bamako in November provided a framework for the prevention and resolution of local conflicts. Ahead of Commissioner Chergui's recommendations, I would like to call on the Council to support the implementation of the Bamako declaration. The Council should also extend support to local initiatives.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“I would like to summarize some of the concerted responses and the existing strategic framework. The United Nations response in the Sahel has, under the Secretary-General, increased its cross-pillar focus. Across West Africa and the Sahel, multi-agency initiatives bring together security, development, rule of law and human rights interventions. Our approach is anchored on supporting national Governments in their implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and on building partnerships towards greater synergies. We now have useful instruments in place, including the compliance framework for the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) Joint Force and a renewed focus by United Nations country teams on governance issues. Weak justice systems remain some of the critical deficiencies with regard to national responses.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“The perpetrators, together with other violent extremists, and through the use of internal communal violence have driven hundreds of thousands of people away from their homes in the northern and central-north regions. That exodus has caused the flow of internally displaced persons to reach 500,000 people, as compared to about 50,000 during the same period last year. This year we have observed similar patterns of targeted religious violence around Tillberi and Diffa. Ideologically motivated violence can feed on conflicts, tearing apart communities over land or water disputes. That violence, however, has its own causes and rationale, and therefore needs to be addressed differently. Governments, local actors, regional organizations and the international community have mobilized to address that multidimensional violence.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Other forms of communal violence are triggered by the nature of the fight against terrorism itself in many of the countries of the region. Furthermore, they do not have the sufficient security forces to provide adequate geographical coverage. Resorting to sub-contracting local defence forces or vigilantes is a double-edged sword. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) has been advocating for improved legal frameworks and longer-term approaches with a number of Governments that are aware of the risks. With regard to religious violence across the region, this year has been particularly brutal. Burkina Faso especially has seen unprecedented anti-Christian attacks.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“An economic and Islamic tribunal near Gao rules on compensation and sanctions in such conflicts. Arrangements between herders and extremists have led to deep societal divides across the region. Yet we need to avoid generalities. Their relationship differs greatly from one country or region to the next. Man-made factors and the prevalence of weapons combined with a harsh natural environment, as well as expanding desert areas and climate change, are significant issues related to transhumance. But let us bear in mind that close to 70 per cent of people in West Africa remain dependent on agriculture and the rearing livestock for their existence. Finding ways to ensure peaceful coexistence between herders and farmers is therefore imperative.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Concerning violent extremism, the strategy and objectives of armed groups in the region are in the public domain. The use of local dynamics to spread extremism was explicit in AI-Qaida's instructions to its militants in Timbuktu as early as 2012. Among their tactics was the leveraging oflocal grievances and of the domestic movements of persons. State weaknesses have been thoroughly exploited. Extremists provide safety, protection, social services and justice in the areas that they control. According to their perspective, long- standing grievances serve their purposes. Conflicts related to transhumance constitute some of the most violent local conflicts in the region, and extremist groups have managed to implicate themselves in in their resolution.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Relentless attacks on civilian and military targets have shaken public confidence, while international forces in the region have also endured significant losses. We must salute the courage and the unbroken spirit of the defence and security forces working across West Africa and the Sahel. Incidents in the region show how terrorism, organized crime and intercommunal Violence can easily intertwine, yet it is essential to avoid confusion and distinguish among the drivers of the Violence. Indigenous factors of local conflicts have been documented, including governance deficits, the poor management of natural resources, inequalities and marginalization, corruption and the broader failure of Governments to deliver their regalian functions, notably security and justice, especially in peripheral areas.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“Mr. Chambas: Let me start by thanking the United States and Cete d'Ivoire for organizing today's briefing. lntercommunal violence is a vast theme. I will attempt to highlight some of the dynamics in West Africa and the Sahel, as well as relevant responses that have brought together local, national and regional actors. As Security Council members are aware, the region has been shaken by unprecedented violence in recent months. Last week's horrific attacks against the lnates military camp in the Niger continue to haunt the region. The Heads of State of the Group of Five for the Sahel yesterday reiterated their call for stronger alliances and support. They also emphasized that the trio of the Government, the population and the security and defence forces should not yield.”
2019-12-16 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8685 (2019) · source
“In conclusion, let me assure Council members of the continued commitment of UNOWAS to working with all stakeholders in the region to promote peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. I trust that we can continue to rely on the support of the Council. In this regard, I am looking forward to the strategic review of UNOWAS, which should contribute immensely to responding to our quest for adequate resources that enable us to sharpen our tools for preventing conflicts and sustaining peace. I thank Council members for their support and look forward to working further with them.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Enhanced support for the implementation of the Regional Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Strategy for Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region and the Priority Investment Programme of the Group of Five for the Sahel, together with a concerted effort to support national development plans, remains essential for boosting development of the region and exploring its full potential. This is my fourth and final message of hope: with support from the Council and guided by the inclusive national ownership of the countries of the region - and the region as a whole - I am confident that the consolidation of democracy can be further strengthened and the activities of violent extremists better addressed and countered through preventive measures.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“In this regard, the second meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum, which took place only last week, on 17 and 18 July, in Niamey, once again stressed the importance of holistic approaches for effectively tackling instability in West Africa and the Sahel and successfully launched a stabilization facility for the Lake Chad region. Through inclusive approaches based on national ownership and in line with UNISS, we must continue to work harder at addressing governance deficits, extreme poverty and the lack of development that feed and sustain armed violence and extremism.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“The summit will aim to discuss a concerted security approach for West Africa and the Sahel and represents a unique window of opportunity to harmonize the fragmented security arrangements. While the implementation of humanitarian response plans has seen laudable support, I urge Governments and partners to redouble their efforts aimed at defining a concerted approach to preventing a further expansion of the terrorist threat and fostering support for greatly needed medium- and long-term stabilization measures, in line with the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel (UNISS).”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“However, the period under review also witnessed the deadliest attack to date on the Chadian military, where Boko Haram fighters killed 23 soldiers in Dangdala. The terrorist group also attempted to launch a rocket attack on the airport in Diffa and led seemingly more sophisticated terrorist attacks in other parts of the Niger. As of June, at least 147 civilians have been kidnapped in the Diffa region, the highest number since 2015. In View of this rapid escalation, including growing linkages among terrorism, organized crime and intercommunity clashes in the region, the Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States decided, during their summit on 29 June, to hold an extraordinary summit on terrorism in Ouagadougou, now scheduled for 14 September.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“The task force also builds on the findings of an inter-agency mission that I was privileged to lead to Burkina Faso in February and which defined a multisectoral response that would address immediate needs and the structural causes of insecurity. A humanitarian response plan with a budget of $100 million has been launched and is currently being revised upwards to accommodate rising needs. In the Lake Chad basin, attacks by Boko Haram terrorists and splinter groups continue to threaten the peace and stability of the region. In the first half of this year, 30 suicide bombings were reported, a 70 per cent reduction on the number from last year, owing to the efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“The north and east of the country remain the areas most affected by recurrent attacks of terrorist and armed groups and an increase in intercommunal violence, with the involvement of seemingly uncontrolled self-defence groups. Furthermore, terrorist groups are directly targeting schools and forcing health centres to close. Today, a total of 2,024 schools and 37 health centres remain closed in Burkina Faso as a direct result of the crisis. Amid the rapid escalation, Secretary-General Guterres has requested a significant scaling-up of the United Nations response and has put in place an emergency task force in Burkina Faso.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Thirdly, since my last briefing, the region of West Africa and the Sahel has witnessed an even more Visible and significant rise in violent attacks directly related to violent extremism. The security situation remains volatile in the entire Sahel region, where escalating Violence and insecurity have sparked an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, leaving a total of 5.1 million Burkinabes, Nigeriens and Malians in need. Notably, the past six months have shown a rapid deterioration of the security situation in Burkina Faso. A total of 226 security incidents contributed to an acceleration in the displacement of persons, rising from 47,000 in December 2018 to 220,000 internally displaced and more than 25,000 refugees in June, representing an almost five-fold increase.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“In this sense, I commend the exemplary path chosen by the Gambia, in which the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission and the National Human Rights Commission have embarked on their challenging tasks in a credible manner that has contributed to transitional justice and social cohesion. While the region saw a slight increase in the number of female members of Government - and the first- ever appointment of a female speaker of parliament, in Togo - women's representation remains a matter of concern. A persistently high level of inequality continues to have negative impacts on women, making them prone to gender-based Violence. The passing of legislation in Cabo Verde classifying gender-based Violence as a priority prevention crime must be applauded in this context.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Addressing such potential sources of conflict remains a major priority ahead of the upcoming cycle of high-stake presidential elections in West Africa, scheduled for next year in Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, the Niger and Togo. Furthermore, tensions around electoral periods derail the attention that must be given to the pressing need to address questions of development and inequality. My second message is therefore that the journey of democratic consolidation in the region has not been easy and cannot be taken for granted. Several countries in the region continue to struggle with human rights challenges. I am particularly concerned about the instrumentalization of the judiciary for political objectives in some cases and a predominant sentiment of impunity for Violent crimes, which undermine respect for the rule of law.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“In Nigeria, my Office also organized, jointly with the National Peace Committee and other partners, several peace forums to appease tensions in electoral hotspots. Beyond successful elections, the past six months also saw the opening of political dialogue between the ruling Governments and the oppositions in Burkina Faso and Benin, while in Ghana political stakeholders started a dialogue on vigilante groups. In Liberia, on 7 July, the Government indicated its respect for the right to peaceful protests and agreed to begin a dialogue on strengthening the economy. However, pre- and post-electoral periods continue to be characterized by tensions, antagonistic contests and disputes, including around non-consensual constitutional amendments.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“My fourth and final message, in recognition of the progress made and despite continuing challenges, is one of hope for the future and confidence in the Council's support as we work together towards sustaining peace and preventing conflict in West Africa and the Sahel. Indeed, we should first of all recognize and celebrate the progress made in the consolidation of democracy in the region, including through peaceful transfers of power. In the past six months, presidential elections were organized in Nigeria, on 23 February; Senegal, on 24 February; and Mauritania, on 22 June. Ahead of those fiercely contested elections, I met all of the presidential candidates and conveyed to them, alongside regional and international partners, the need to uphold high electoral standards in the region.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Mr. Chambas: I am honoured to be in the Chamber today to introduce the latest report of the Secretary- General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) (S/2019/549). I have four key messages to share with the Security Council today with regard to the developments in West Africa and the Sahel. First, since my last briefing (see S/PV.8442), further progress has been made in democratic consolidation in West Africa and the Sahel. Secondly, such progress in the democratic space has not been linear or without complications; it has been the result of contestations that have sometimes been palpably antagonistic. Thirdly, democratic progress has been delayed and complicated and, on occasion, almost negated by a rapid expansion of violent extremism in the region.”
2019-07-24 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8585 (2019) · source
“Through inclusive approaches predicated on national ownership, we must continue to work hard to address the governance deficits, extreme poverty and lack of development that feed and sustain armed violence and extremism. In conclusion, let me assure the Council of the continued commitment of UNOWAS to working with all stakeholders in the region to promote peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. I trust that we can continue to rely on the support of the Council.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“The next cycle of elections in the region will be a litmus test for the consolidation of democratic gains. Ensuring an enabling environment for the full respect of human rights will be key to the success of these elections and to safeguarding stability in the region. Furthermore, preparing the ground for elections through support for inclusive dialogue and national conflict- prevention capabilities will continue to constitute a priority for the region and my Office. The rising number of attacks and the increasing sophistication in the tactics deployed by extremist groups risk undermining our collective efforts in the region. Military solutions, while necessary, are not sufficient. I encourage all actors to ensure holistic responses grounded in respect for human rights and the socioeconomic needs of the population in the affected areas.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“As reaffirmed in the recently concludedjoint United Nations-World Bank study entitled Pathways for Peace: Inclusive Approaches to Preventing Violent Conflict, women's marginalization continues to be a cause and consequence of instability and conflict. During the annual review of progress made in West Africa and the Sahel concerning the implementation of resolution 1325 (2000), on women and peace and security, the discrimination against and marginalization of women from political processes was once more highlighted. During the event, which took place on 26 November in Praia, Cabo Verde, it was noted that women comprised fewer than 15 per cent of parliamentarians, for example, in several countries of the region. My Office will continue to work with all regional actors to strengthen the role of women in the region.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source
“Over the coming weeks, I will continue to engage actively with all stakeholders in Nigeria, in particular the National Peace Committee, including through the organization of peace forums in a number of key states, such as Benue, Rivers, Kaduna and Kano. Indeed, a few more may be included. Several countries of the region also continue to struggle withjustice and human rights challenges. I am particularly concerned about the allegations of human rights violations by security forces, as well as the increasing re-emergence of self-defence groups, Whose actions have been fuelling intercommunal tensions in some countries. While security operations must be carried out in full compliance with international humanitarian law, human rights law and refugee law, non-State actors also need to be held accountable for any crimes committed.”
2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source