YouSaid · the spoken record

Chambas

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282

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2003-03-18

most recent

2023-03-30

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23

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un-security-council

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1. “However, despite appreciable progress in democratic consolidation in the region, there is a need for continuous efforts to address contentious issues around elections in order to prevent and mitigate election-related violence, as well as to support inclusive dialogue as a key attribute of inclusive societies. This is even more important as, over the next six months, the region will see several high-stake elections in Nigeria, Senegal, Mauritania and Benin. In Nigeria, tensions are high ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections of 16 February and the gubernatorial and state assembly elections of 2 March. However, the prospects for peaceful and credible elections have increased following the signing of the national peace accord in Abuja on 11 December.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

2. “I also commend the holding of the joint summit of Heads of State of the Economic Community of Central African States and the Economic Community of West African States, on 30 July 2018 in Lorne, as an important step towards addressing cross-border threats facing West and Central Africa. As one of the key outcomes of the summit, Heads of State and Government affirmed their readiness to enhance interregional collaboration to jointly address threats to peace and security, including from Violent extremism. They also committed to holding regular meetings to identify measures for the prevention and peaceful management of farmer-herder conflicts. In the past six months, presidential elections were successfully organized in Mali; regional and parliamentary elections in Mauritania and Togo, respectively; and local elections in Cote d'Ivoire.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

3. “The meeting took place before the high-level conference on the Lake Chad region, which was held on 3 and 4 September in Berlin, during which partners pledged over $2 billion to help meet the needs of the more than 17 million people affected by the crisis. However, more support is needed to advance the stabilization efforts in the Sahel, and I commend partners for the commitment to providing $2.4 billion to finance the Priority Investment Programme of the G-5 Sahel, which was presented on 6 December in Nouakchott. I urge Governments and partners to ensure the rapid implementation of those much-needed medium- and long-term stabilization measures, as well as the speedy disbursement of funds to respond to the urgent needs on the ground, thereby fostering stabilization, recovery and development.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

4. “In its efforts to advance the long-term stabilization goals of the region, UNOWAS continues to work closely with regional partners, including the Economic Community of West African States, the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-S Sahel) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), including within the framework of the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. Laudable progress has been made in the implementation of resolution 2349 (2017) to support a regional response to the crisis in the Lake Chad basin. On 30 August, the LCBC Council of Ministers adopted a regional strategy for the stabilization, recovery and resilience ofthe Boko Haram-affected areas ofthe Lake Chad basin region.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

5. “The security situation also remains volatile in the Sahel. In Burkina Faso, a state of emergency has been declared in 7 of the country's 13 regions in the north, west and east, against a backdrop ofa significant rise in security incidents. Despite mass mobilization, defence and security forces in the Niger continue to face challenges in the west and south. Increased attacks and kidnappings by extremist groups are heightening security risks in the Niger, Benin and Togo. Rising insecurity has placed a heavy burden on Governments of the region against the backdrop of high population growth and worsening youth unemployment. Economic austerity measures, including the elimination of subsidies on basic items in some countries have also heightened social tensions.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

6. “Mr. Chambas: I am honoured to be here today to introduce the Secretary-General's latest report (8/2018/1175) on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Since my last briefing (see S/PV.8313), further progress has been made in democratic consolidation in West Africa and the Sahel, despite persisting security challenges. In the Lake Chad basin, Boko Haram attacks over the past months, notably against military installations, have increased. During the last week of December alone, Boko Haram launched three separate attacks on army bases in Borno and Yobe states of Nigeria, killing numerous soldiers, police personnel and civilians, and seizing equipment and weapons. Violent clashes between farmers and herders are also continuing, although on a lesser scale, thankfully, than in the first half of 2018.”

   2019-01-10 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8442 (2019) · source

7. “In conclusion, let me assure members of the Security Council of the continued commitment of UNOWAS to working with all stakeholders and development partners in the region to promote peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.”

   2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

8. “The continuing political crisis in Togo has already caused the suspension of the parliamentary elections that were due to take place in July. We welcome ECOWAS mediation efforts to facilitate the peaceful resolution of the political impasse. In some countries of the region, including Nigeria, UNOWAS is working closely with ECOWAS and other partners to support the establishment of national peace architectures that can provide a systematic and inclusive approach to the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. Democratic gains in the region are not immune to reversal. There is a need for democratic consolidation through genuine processes of national reconciliation, job-creating growth and inclusive sustainable development. That should be the focus of our international engagement.”

   2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

9. “Since my last briefing, the region has continued on a positive trajectory of democratic elections with local elections in Guinea, local and municipal elections in The Gambia, and presidential, legislative and local elections in Sierra Leone. While they were well organized and voting took place in a mostly peaceful atmosphere, the critical pre- and post-electoral phases were marred by tensions. Let me commend the role of the electoral observer missions of ECOWAS, the African Union, the Commonwealth, the European Union and the International Organization of la Francophonie in defusing tensions. Looking forward, we continue to closely monitor the situation in countries with forthcoming elections, such as Mauritania, Nigeria and Senegal.”

   2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

10. “Several countries continue to struggle with justice, national reconciliation and human rights challenges. Among those is the concerning number of high-profile arrests, judicial prosecutions and convictions against political and civil society actors. We must collectively continue to urge Member States to provide an enabling environment for the exercise of the freedoms of expression and assembly, which are critical to consolidating democracy and good governance. In a recent positive development, Benin and Burkina Faso abolished the death penalty, which makes nine countries in the region that have ended capital punishment.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

11. “The demarcation of the Cameroon-Nigeria border and the pillar construction continue to face challenges due to insecurity in areas affected by the presence of Boko Haram and unrest in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Nevertheless, pillar construction is expected to resume at the end of the rainy season. The period under review saw an upsurge in popular discontent in the region, manifested through often Violent demonstrations calling for political and economic reforms. The sometimes violent conduct of security forces, notably in dealing with popular demonstrations, has also fuelled political tensions. The commitment of countries of the region and support from the international community will be key to ensuring the effectiveness and accountability of security sector institutions as part of broader security sector reform efforts.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

12. “I call on Member States, partners and other stakeholders in the Sahel to provide desperately needed financial resources to the region. Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea increased during the reporting period. Drug-smuggling and the trafficking of small arms and light weapons, including by terrorist groups, pose major security threats. I welcome the ongoing efforts of the Regional Centre for Maritime Security in West Africa and the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre to strengthen their operational capabilities. I also note the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime to establish a framework for enhanced cooperation with the Maghreb and Sahel countries in the fight against trafficking and transnational organized crime.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

13. “During four days in June, new spates of attacks and retribution killings between herders and farmers in that region resulted in scores of deaths. Let me stress that any military response to security challenges in the region needs to be matched by the implementation of comprehensive strategies linking security and humanitarian interventions to development and human rights initiatives. There is also need to increase our collective efforts to address the challenges facing the Sahel region with actions that combine politics, security and development. In that regard, we have repositioned the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS) and developed a United Nations support plan to mobilize resources for the 10 UNISS countries.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

14. “The severe depletion of Lake Chad has led to environmental degradation, socioeconomic marginalization and insecurity for 45 million people. An estimated 2.3 million people remain displaced by the aggregate effects of insecurity, weak governance and climate change. I urge Member States to support the humanitarian response to the Lake Chad crisis, which remains critically underfunded, as well as the revitalization of the Lake Chad basin. Violence between farmers and herders is increasingly a major security threat in the region and risks morphing into the terrorist attacks that have defined the security landscape. Farmer-herder conflicts are becoming more sophisticated and deadlier, especially in Nigeria's Middle Belt.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

15. “Attacks in south-east Niger have recently increased, including on 1 July with the killing of 10 soldiers from the Niger. The trend of Boko Haram using female suicide bombers continues, and reportedly almost one in five suicide bombers is a child. The most recent attacks on a Nigerian military garrison in Yobe state and the ambush of a military convoy in Borno are the most recent manifestations of the threats still posed by Boko Haram. There is a need to provide increased support to diplomatic, security and humanitarian responses to Boko Haram in a holistic manner. To that end, UNOWAS is providing technical support for a joint summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States, on 30 July, as called for by resolution 2349 (2017).”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

16. “Local insurgencies are also spreading, exacerbating intercommunal conflicts and undermining State authority. Allegations of human rights violations by security forces are particularly concerning as they undermine our collective efforts. I call upon Governments of the region to prevent such Violations and to bring perpetrators to justice. UNOWAS and its partners, including the Office of Counter-Terrorism, are supporting dialogue on countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism, and have been advocating for the involvement of more women and youth in those efforts. In the Lake Chad basin, despite gains made by the Nigerian armed forces and the Multinational Joint Task Force, Boko Haram's Islamic State's West African Province remain active.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

17. “Mr. Chambas: I am honoured to be here today to introduce the latest report of the Secretary-General (8/2018/649) on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). Since my last briefing (see S/PV.8156), positive developments, in particular on the democratization front, have been competing with the volatile security situation, in particular in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin. The spillover of the Malian crisis is increasingly affecting Burkina Faso and the Niger. Terrorist groups continue to cause devastation throughout the region, despite ongoing counter-terrorism operations. The complexity of recent attacks is a worrying outcome of West African and Sahelian Islamic groups reinforcing their linkages. The expansion of extremist activities has had a devastating impact on local communities.”

    2018-07-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8313 (2018) · source

18. “As we pay tribute to the outgoing President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is leaving office after 12 years of leadership and service to her country and the wider region, in particular during her term as the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States, we must increase our efforts to promote the participation of women in decision-making and leadership and ensure that the region's youth are solidly placed at the centre of development policies. Let me finally underscore that UNOWAS remains strongly committed to continuing to support efforts for the consolidation of peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel in line with its mandate and very much appreciates the constant support it enjoys from the Security Council.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

19. “The lack of consensus on the implementation of constitutional reforms in the country could threaten the holding of the legislative and local elections scheduled to be held this year. I continue my close collaboration with President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Alpha Conde of Guinea, Chairperson of the African Union, to facilitate a resolution of the impasse between the Government and the opposition, in consonance with the Togolese Constitution, regional democratic best practices and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

20. “I applaud the Liberian people and their leaders for their recourse to exclusively legal means to settle all electorally related disputes; this has served to further strengthen its existing democratic institutions. The deployment of former President Obasanjo of Nigeria, whom I accompanied in his capacity as a member of the Secretary-General's High-Level Advisory Board on Mediation, following the 26 December presidential run- off, contributed to the gracious concession statement by Vice-President Boakai and the magnanimous gesture of President-elect George Weah, and demonstrated once more the efficacy of preventive diplomacy. Further attention now needs to be paid to the forthcoming elections in Sierra Leone and Guinea. In Togo, opposition parties continue with their protests.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

21. “Thus I particularly welcome Burkina Faso's new law on human rights defenders and the law recently passed by the Gambia's National Assembly to establish a national human rights commission. The establishment of a judicial commission in Nigeria to review the armed forces' compliance with international human rights standards and the start of judicial proceedings against Boko Haram suspects in Nigeria also need to be commended. Regarding the demarcation of the Cameroon-Nigeria border, the good-neighbourly relationship between the two countries continues to increase prospects for its completion. The trajectory of successful democratic elections in West Africa continues. Notably, on 10 October and 26 December the people of Liberia came out in large numbers to peacefully elect a new President.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

22. “Strong support by the international community for Burkina Faso's emergency plan will enable it to withstand threats to its peace and security. The Gambia has just concluded the first phase of its security-sector reform, and democratic consolidation is progressing with generous financial support on the part of international partners. However, more attention still needs to be paid to the challenges facing the two countries in the areas of security-sector reform, national reconciliation and thejustice sector. The United Nations continues to coordinate closely with the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and other partners in this regard. Respect for human rights and the rule of law is a fundamental basis for advancing peace, security and development.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

23. “Last December, during the Policy Committee of the West Africa Coast Initiative, member countries committed to reinforcing the fight against organized crime in line with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional action plan to address illicit drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and drug abuse. Also, migration has become one of the most lucrative activities for criminal networks across West Africa and the Sahel. In this regard, stemming human trafficking must continue to be a top priority in 2018, as recently underscored by Secretary- General Guterres. In line with resolution 2282 (2016), the United Nations continues to pioneer the sustaining peace approach in the Gambia and Burkina Faso to ensure lasting peace and the consolidation of these young democracies.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

24. “A support plan for the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel will now be shared with national, regional and international partners so as to harmonize approaches and to canvass for effective support for the Sahel in line with national and regional priorities, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union's Agenda 2063. Meanwhile, the exponential spread of intercommunal and farmer-herder conflicts, which have claimed hundreds of lives in the recent past, must also be cause for worry. It is a ticking time-bomb that unattended could escalate beyond the community level.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

25. “On 8 December, at a meeting of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs of the European Union and representatives of the G-5 Sahel in Brussels, I underscored that the security response needs to be complemented by measures to tackle governance challenges as well as to boost economic development and the resilience of the Sahelian population, as articulated in the United Nations integrated strategy for the Sahel. The past six months have seen substantive progress in the efforts to reinvigorate the strategy, notably through an extensive mapping of strategy- related activities and the presentation of a proposal in that context to strengthen the resilience of the Sahel population during the third annual Climate Finance Day, to be held on 11 December in Paris.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

26. “In the Sahel, the Group of Five (G-S Sahel) has made significant progress in the operationalization of its Joint Force, including by establishing its military command structure and a Force headquarters in Sevare, and conducting its first military operation with French troops in late October 2017. In line with resolution 2391 (2017), consultations are currently ongoing regarding the conclusion of a technical agreement among the United Nations, the European Union and the G-5 Sahel States on the provision of operational and logistical support to the Joint Force through MINUSMA.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

27. “The use of children as suicide bombers by Boko Haram increased five-fold compared with 2016, to reach 135 cases in 2017. While 700 people abducted by Boko Haram have recently escaped captivity, the group continues to kidnap innocent persons, as shown by the recent disappearance of 31 loggers in Gamboru near the Cameroon border. Overall, more than 2 million displaced persons are still desperately waiting for an end to the crisis in the Lake Chad Basin. The comprehensive response of the region to address the Boko Haram threat must be supported by the international community. I commend the successful efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force and welcome the conference on the resuscitation of Lake Chad to be hosted by Nigeria next month.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

28. “The attacks in Mali as well as within the Mali-Niger- Burkina Faso tri-border area are mainly attributed to Al-Qaida-affiliated groups and the Islamic State in Greater Sahara. In the Niger, the increasing number of security incidents has compelled the Government to dedicate 17 per cent ofpublic expenditure in 2018 to the security sector, compared with 15 per cent in 2017. This has, however, triggered demonstrations in the capital of the Niger given the expected detrimental effects on the delivery of social services. Following a notable decline in the number of Boko Haram attacks in the first half ofthe year, there has been an uptick in the number of incidents since September last year, with a peak of 143 civilian casualties alone in November 2017.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

29. “Mr. Chambas: It is my honour to be here in the Council today to introduce the Secretary-General's report on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (S/2017/IIO4). Despite continuous progress in West Africa and the Sahel, notably regarding democratic and peaceful political transitions, the security situation in the region remains a matter of grave concern. In Mali, terrorists launched a complex attack on bases of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) in Kidal, resulting in the death of one peacekeeper. Three more Malian soldiers were killed recently by a landmine in Mopti region, and another Malian soldier was killed by terrorists in Niono. Two separate attacks on security posts were also registered in Burkina Faso near the Malian border.”

    2018-01-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8156 (2018) · source

30. “I remain hopeful that countries in the region will accelerate progress towards fully implementing regional standards and respective national legislation on promoting the participation of women in decision-making, as well as overall respect for human rights, including the effective integration of youth in political and development processes. In conclusion, let me assure the Council that UNOWAS will continue to work closely with all stakeholders and development partners in the region to help consolidate peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel. I also reiterate my appeal to partners to maintain their engagement, including through financial support, to continue saving lives and to promote sustainable solutions.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

31. “My objective will be to work with Ivoirian stakeholders to sustain the country's strong recovery and to bolster peace and security efforts. In the light of the recent mutinies that have threatened the so far impressive recovery of the country, continuous support to deepen the reform of the defence and security sector, as well as national reconciliation and disarmament efforts, is imperative. Constitutional review efforts in the subregion should be conducted in an inclusive, participatory and transparent manner to strengthen the foundations for democratic governance. I have continuously engaged with national stakeholders, civil society and diplomatic partners throughout the subregion, with a view to building consensus on this and other critical issues.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

32. “At the same time, the respective United Nations country teams are stepping up efforts to ensure tangible results at the country level. In Burkina Faso and The Gambia, the United Nations continues to pursue the sustaining peace approach in support of the priorities of the respective Governments. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) is focusing on complementing ongoing development interventions by the United Nations country teams with targeted political interventions and institutional strengthening in politically sensitive areas such as justice and the rule of law, security sector reform and national reconciliation. In the context of transitions from peacekeeping, I have already liaised with authorities in Cote d'lvoire, and I plan to visit the country soon after today's briefing to the Security Council.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

33. “In that context, let me stress that the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel presents a multidimensional approach to addressing the challenges of governance, security and resilience in the region. The implementation of the Strategy has registered notable progress. I chaired two meetings of the Steering Committee in May and June, which agreed on a clear division of responsibilities among United Nations entities for advocacy, strategic guidance and programmatic activities. While aiming to streamline efforts and reduce duplication among the various actors in the Sahel, the United Nations is also focusing on linking the Ministerial Coordination Platform of Sahel Strategies to the mechanisms of the United Nations Strategy.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

34. “Clashes between farmers and herders across the region threaten to undermine peace, social cohesion and food security. The United Nations continues to advocate for a regional solution, while at the same time supporting the countries of the region in strengthening their national peace architecture. West Africa and the Sahel also continue to be negatively affected by transnational organized crime and other cross-cutting threats to peace and security. Smugglers of drugs, human beings and weapons continue to criss-cross borders and establish new operational zones where the State has withdrawn or maintains only a tentative presence. Insecurity and lawlessness also stretch to the Gulf of Guinea, where criminal elements increasingly resort to piracy and hostage-taking.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

35. “The Lake Chad Basin Commission regeneration plan offers a useful framework of cooperation to tackle the root causes of the worsening security environment. In January, five field workers of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission were killed in an attack by unidentified armed elements near Kontcha, a region that was believed to be unaffected by the Boko Haram threat. While investigation into the matter is ongoing, the United Nations is working closely with the authorities of Cameroon and Nigeria to strengthen the security protocol for the resumption of border pillar construction in the area. The threat of terrorist and Violent extremist groups should not divert our attention from other pressing security threats, such as the intercommunal tensions witnessed in several countries.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

36. “Despite the commendable efforts of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which have substantially degraded Boko Haram's capabilities, shrunk its geographical reach and freed thousands of captives, recent attacks in Maiduguri and the Diffa region demonstrate that Boko Haram continues to pose a serious threat to the area. The mode and sophistication of those attacks have raised suspicions that the Boko Haram militants might have acquired reinforcements. That situation continues to have devastating humanitarian consequences. Up to 5.2 million women, men and innocent boys and girls, many of whom have been displaced across the Lake Chad basin, are struggling for their very subsistence. The failure to provide basic services and viable livelihood opportunities for communities in affected areas risks derailing recent successes against Boko Haram.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

37. “The leaders of the three countries met in Niamey on 24 January under the auspices of the Liptako- Gourma authority and announced that they would be setting up a multinational stabilization force. That announcement came against the backdrop of ongoing discussions on the operationalization of the Group of Five States for the Sahel joint force, an initiative that encompasses all three Liptako-Gourma countries, as well as Chad and Mauritania, and which the Security Council welcomed through the adoption of resolution 2359 (2017) of 21 June. I would like to commend the countries of the Sahel for their continuous efforts to tackle security challenges at the national and regional levels. More support is needed to assist them in that challenging task. The Lake Chad basin remains an equally challenging pole of insecurity.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

38. “In the Sahel, persistent instability in Mali is spilling over into Burkina Faso and the Niger, with deadly attacks along border areas. The Liptako- Gourma region, linking Mali with Burkina Faso and the Niger, has experienced a significant expansion of Violent extremist and terrorist activities in the past few months, including coordinated cross-border attacks against security posts and the ransacking of border settlements. Violent extremist groups targeted the northern provinces of Soum, Loroum and Yatenga in Burkina Faso and the western regions of Tillabery and Tahoua in the Niger. Insecurity in those border areas has detrimental effects on the local economy.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

39. “Mr. Chambas: Despite laudable progress in democratic consolidation, the security situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains a cause for concern. The efforts of Member States of the region to deliver on development, improve infrastructure, create jobs and strengthen human security are being hampered by traditional and new drivers of conflict and insecurity. Terrorism and violent extremism, in addition to the humanitarian crisis and threats to State integrity that they generate, have exacerbated traditional threats. These factors, combined with climate change, youth bulge and unemployment, and unchecked urbanization constitute veritable push factors underpinning the surge in irregular migration and human trafficking.”

    2017-07-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.8002 (2017) · source

40. “Before concluding, allow me to mention that the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission continued the emplacement of pillars for the definitive demarcation of the border between the two countries, a process that has been accompanied by confidence-building activities on both sides ofthe border. The Mixed Commission remains a shining example of what long-term commitment and effective cooperation can achieve. Rest assured that my Office will redouble its efforts to prevent conflict and sustain peace in West Africa and the Sahel, always of course in collaboration with other institutions of the United Nations, ECOWAS and the wider international community.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

41. “In that regard, I call upon the member States of the Mano River Union, as well as the broader international community, to provide the minimum resources required to maintain and expand the unit's operations. The United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel is collaborating closely with the United Nations missions in the region and, in the context of the drawdown of the United Nations Operation in C6te d'Ivoire and the United Nations Mission in Liberia, we are intensifying our collaboration and information-sharing at the leadership and technical levels.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

42. “To mention just a few examples, we have stepped up our partnership with the Group of Five for the Sahel, including by facilitating cooperation with the Counter- Terrorism Implementation Task Force and providing support to the Group of Five regional cell on the prevention of radicalization and violent extremism. In support of the Strategy for Cross-border Security in the Mano River Union, we have facilitated platforms where representatives of the joint border-security and confidence-building units shared experiences in order to strengthen security and cooperation in a way that also binds youth, women and other community actors. That is but one example of an inclusive approach working together across institutions.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

43. “Taking a critical look at the challenges of coordination against a shifting implementation environment, we remain committed to promoting and coordinating a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of deprivation, exclusion and insecurity. In line with the recommendations of the report of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (see S/2015/446), the Secretary-General's report on the future of United Nations peace operations (S/2015/682),and the report of the Advisory Group of Experts on the Review of the Peacebuilding Architecture (see S/2015/490), we will continue to strengthen our collaboration with regional and subregional partners.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

44. “My Office is an active member of the Inter-Agency Working Group on Sustaining Peace in Burkina Faso and is contributing to the development of the sustaining peace strategy in that pilot country. My good offices and the technical-level support of UNOWAS will continue to provide support to this holistic United Nations approach in Burkina Faso and throughout West Africa and the Sahel. My Office will also provide support on issues related to regional stabilization, including through the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel. As members are aware, the review of the integrated strategy, which the Council had mandated, was completed last year.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

45. “Amid increasingly vocal internal demands for peace dividends to materialize, I call upon partners to support the democratic and economic consolidation of Burkina Faso, which finds itself in the middle of a volatile regional security environment. Our aim is to ensure that post-conflict societies do not relapse into crisis, thereby hurting peace consolidation and democratic gains. Last Friday, 6 January, in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire, it was worrisome to see former fighters who had been integrated in the armed forces try to take control of the locality of Bouake' and other cities on account of remuneration-related grievances. Looking forward, UNOWAS will enthusiastically contribute to the implementation of resolution 2282 (2016) and the General Assembly resolution on sustaining peace.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

46. “At the same time, the group's attacks have recently become more frequent, disrupting the return of refugees and internally displaced persons to their homes. With new areas liberated, the full extent of the tragedy has become all the more Visible. Hundreds of thousands of children are severely malnourished and may face starvation. While the United Nations has scaled up the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Lake Chad basin countries, in particular in Borno state in Nigeria and Diffa province in the Niger, I am concerned that the Nigeria humanitarian response plan remains less than 37 per cent funded. Council members will agree that we can, and must, do better.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

47. “Elsewhere in the region, a number of countries are undertaking efforts to update their Constitutions and build the foundations for prosperous, cohesive and democratic societies. In line with the ECOWAS Vision of moving from an "ECOWAS of States" to an "ECOWAS of people ", UNOWAS continues to encourage these efforts to take place in a spirit of dialogue and participation. During the reporting period, several parents in Nigeria were reunited with their daughters who had been captured by Boko Haram in the north-eastern town of Chibok approximately two years ago. Enhanced efforts are under way to release more of the abductees. Several hundred terrorists have also collectively surrendered to the authorities, due, in part, to the concerted efforts of troop-contributing countries and partners supporting the Multinational Joint Task Force.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

48. “In Guinea, we are concerned that the local elections, which are forecast to take place in February 2017, in accordance with the terms of the 12 October political agreement, may be postponed. There is still a lack of consensus between the ruling party and the opposition regarding the balloting system. Moreover, the amendments to the electoral code, which are needed to hold the elections in February 2017, were not adopted during the recent parliamentary session. In fact, the opposition members of Parliament withdrew from the National Assembly on the last day of its session, threatening to resume street protests. UNOWAS will continue to engage Guinean stakeholders on the imperative of implementing the provisions of the 12 October agreement.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

49. “Should that be deemed necessary, ECOWAS intends to seek the endorsement of the African Union Peace and Security Council and the formal approval of the Security Council to deploy troops to the Gambia. Despite a pre-election period that was marked at times by high political tension, the people of Ghana lived up to their reputation for organizing elections that serve as an inspiration for the rising tide of democracy throughout the African continent. I salute outgoing President John Dramani Mahama for his gracious acceptance of the results, and I congratulate President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on his victory. While credit is due to the people of West Africa, I would also like to acknowledge the country's regional and international partners that jointly accompanied those important milestones.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source

50. “On 17 December, at the fiftieth ordinary session of its Authority of Heads of State and Government, ECOWAS agreed to uphold the results of the 1 December elections and decided to take all the necessary actions to enforce the results. UNOWAS is fully involved in supporting the ECOWAS-led mediation, which continues to explore all avenues towards a peaceful transfer of power. A high-level delegation has returned to Banjul today, 13 January, as we meet here, in an attempt to persuade President Jammeh Babil Mansa to abide by the elections results and step down. The delegation plans to leave no doubt about the determination of ECOWAS to use all the necessary means, including force, to have the will of the Gambian people upheld.”

    2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source