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

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“Conversely, we were saddened by the quickly unfolding political crisis resulting from President Jammeh changing his mind and deciding to reject the results, citing irregularities, calling for fresh elections to be managed by a new independent electoral commission, and eventually lodging a petition aiming to invalidate the results of the 1 December polls. On 13 December 2016, I took part in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Heads of State mission to the Gambia and, since then, have been facilitating interactions and negotiations aimed at ensuring a peaceful transfer ofpower from the outgoing President to President-elect Barrow.”
2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source
“By way of example, I would like to mention Cape Verde and Ghana, which carried out presidential elections in strict compliance with the norms and standards in this area, which confirmed their status as good examples in the region and beyond. (spoke in English) On 1 December 2016, voters waited patiently to cast their ballots in presidential elections in the Gambia, which took place against a backdrop of key opposition members being in prison and a communication shutdown. I shared the joy of many witnessing the announcement of the results by the Independent Electoral Commission and the concession speech by President Yahya Jammeh Babil Mansa on 2 December.”
2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source
“I would like to begin by wishing members a very happy 2017. It is an honour for me to once again brief the Security Council on the situation in West Africa and the Sahel. In addition to the report (8/2016/1072) of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel covering the period from 1 July to 31 December 2016, I would like to inform members of recent developments and trends and of their impact in the region. At the outset, I would like to stress that much progress has been made since our previous meeting, in July 2016 (see S/PV.7735). In particular, the citizens of the region have shown their maturity and their willingness to freely and peacefully exercise their right to choose their leaders.”
2017-01-13 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7862 (2017) · source
“Looking at the underlying challenges in the subregion and beyond, we also need to think harder about how we can collectively improve international conflict prevention efforts before crises escalate beyond control. We owe it to the people of West Africa and the Sahel, who have shown such remarkable resilience to persisting multifaceted challenges. With its expanded mandate following the merger, UNOWAS remains fully committed to playing its role in the region, in cooperation with partners, including the Group of Five for the Sahel, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“I am also setting up a United Nations regional task force on the prevention of violent extremism in the region to facilitate the coordination and complementarity of the United Nations work in this area. The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, which I chair, continued the emplacement of pillars for the definitive demarcation of the border and held consultations in the capital cities of Yaounde and Abuja during the reporting period. The Commission remains a prime example of the benefits of foresight and cooperation, and continues to make very good progress, particularly based on the excellent bilateral relations that now exist between the two countries, Cameroon and Nigeria.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“As Council members know, the subregion is also increasingly threatened by violent extremism and radicalization, often linked to wider regional and global instability. In response to the Secretary- General's Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism, UNOWAS organized a regional conference on 27 and 28 June in Dakar, with key United Nations and other partners, to collectively identify drivers of extremism and avenues to strengthen prevention in West Africa and the Sahel. The conference emphasized the need for greater dialogue with women and youth, as well as the need for integrated security, development and human rights approaches, local ownership and alternative narratives to that presented by violent extremism. I will continue to engage with national and regional actors on this subject.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“As the recent decision of the Central Bank to unpeg the national currency from the United States dollar will predictably lead to price increases and socioeconomic hardship, Nigerian actors need to deepen consultative and economic reforms as they endeavour to reboot Africa's largest economy. The examples of cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and other places amply demonstrate the strength of policy-making to develop more balanced and resilient economies. At the same time, as the desert is expanding and water resources are diminishing, we also need to come together as international partners. We must not allow fragility to turn into failure. In this vein, I urge the Council to support - as it has always done - the United Nations Integrated Strategy for the Sahel as our part of efforts to address the root causes of the crisis.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“We have good hope that these West African and Sahel countries will emerge from these reform efforts more cohesive, better governed and with more women taking part in decision-making. This would in turn strengthen their resilience to withstand internal and external shocks, such as the recent Ebola outbreak, which has been eradicated. In spite of impressive strides in the fight against corruption, the fall of oil prices has undermined the efforts of Nigeria's new Government to revamp the economy. At the same time, the country is experiencing community tensions, disputes over resources and renewed militant movements, not only in the north-east but also in the Biafra area and the Niger Delta.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“The referendum in Senegal, notably, has endorsed a reduction of the presidential term from seven to five years. After only six weeks, the Commission in Benin has submitted pertinent recommendations for political and constitutional reforms. We are working with our partners to support these processes, and are making the United Nations collective expertise available to help strengthen Burkina Faso's High Council for Reconciliation and National Unity, among other efforts to assist the country in consolidating the very successful transition. In Mauritania and Togo, we are pursuing efforts, with regional partners, to support dialogue among stakeholders over critical national issues.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“In the Gambia, I am deeply concerned about the repression following peaceful protests in April calling for electoral reforms, and the ensuing allegations of torture and the death of detainees, as well as inflammatory statements targeting certain communities. We conducted a high-level joint mission to the country, together with the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and will continue our engagement in support of the people of the Gambia throughout the electoral process. At the same time, countries ofthe region are engaged in reviews of their foundational laws. Commissions put in place in Benin, Burkina Faso, cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal and Sierra Leone are working on recommendations to adapt their Constitutions to their needs as modern nations.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“It is deeply troubling that only 11 per cent of the United Nations appeal for $1.98 billion in 2016 has been received so far. Thirdly and crucially, we need to strengthen democratic governance and address root causes as essential tasks in conflict-prevention efforts. In the second half of this year, there will be legislative elections in Cote d'Ivoire, presidential elections in the Gambia, and legislative and presidential elections in Ghana. In Guinea and Togo, citizens are still waiting long-overdue local elections. In Ghana, we are working assiduously with all stakeholders to help them overcome their differences in order to maintain the country's well-deserved reputation for peaceful and well-managed polls.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“Terrorists have also struck further afield in West Africa, notably in Ouagadougou on 15 January and in Grand Bassam, Cote d'Ivoire, on 13 March. Traffickers, criminals and their collaborators are seeking to benefit from lawlessness and insecurity to expand their networks. We must not allow this to continue or to spread. First, we need to further strengthen regional forces mobilized under the Multinational Joint Task Force. I wholeheartedly salute the commendable efforts already undertaken by the countries of the region and international partners, but capacities, particularly in the area of intelligence gathering, need to be stepped up. Secondly, we need to strengthen efforts to meet the basic needs of innocent civilians trapped in this tragedy.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“Millions cannot farm their lands, and millions of children do not receive the education they need for a better future. Boko Haram continues to change tactics and has twice overrun the city of Bosso, in the Niger, on 3 and 16 June, killing dozens of soldiers. As a result, its residents, as well as internally displaced persons and refugees who had earlier escaped Violence in Nigeria due to continuing attacks by the group, have also fled and abandoned the town. I visited the area on 22 June, together with Nigerien authorities and international partners from the World Bank and the International Organization for Migration, as an expression of our solidarity with the people and authorities of Diffa province in the Niger.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“Regarding the nexus between peace, governance and development, it was indeed the desperation arising from the perceived lack of opportunities, justice and hope that contributed to the creation of a climate conducive to the emergence of militant movements that have since manifested themselves in the north of Mali and north-eastern Nigeria, and which threaten to destabilize West Africa and the Sahel region and the Lake Chad Basin area. Instability and the existence of terrorist networks in the Middle East and the Maghreb have further fuelled the extremism and terrorist activities in all these areas south of the Sahara. Across the Sahel as we speak, 4.5 million people are displaced and 6 million are in need of emergency food assistance.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“Hissene Habre, sent a strong signal against impunity, and I would like to commend Senegal for offering to host and to support this trial, which drew on the expertise of legal luminaries from throughout Africa. On another positive note, the credible and peaceful elections held in the Niger, Benin and Cabo Verde equally provided opportunities for their respective citizens to express their preferences in a democratic manner. In Benin and Cabo Verde, the unsuccessful incumbents from ruling parties swiftly congratulated the winners from opposition parties, allowing for peace and smooth transitions in both countries.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“Mr. Chambas: I am pleased to be here today to brief the Security Council on the situation in West Africa and the Sahel. Further to the first report (S/2016/566) of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), which is before Council members, I would like to highlight a few issues and update them on some of the most recent developments. Please allow me once again, on behalf of my colleagues, to thank Security Council members for their Visit to Dakar and UNOWAS on 8 March and for their continuous attention to West Africa and the Sahel. A momentous decision anxiously awaited by many was reached on 30 May. For the first time, a former President was sentenced by an African court for crimes committed during his reign. The sentence handed down to the former President of Chad, Mr.”
2016-07-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7735 (2016) · source
“I want to assure members that UNOWA will not relent in supporting their efforts towards enhanced democracy and sustainable development. In the light of the support of the Security Council, which has consistently contributed to our engagement, I am confident that the United Nations will continue to remain a most relevant partner to the countries and institutions of the West African region.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“In that regard, I would like to pay tribute to the national, subregional, regional and international actors that contributed to that achievement. At present, the task of rehabilitating essential services calls for our undivided attention. The epidemic has dramatically served to expose the fragility of national health systems and to highlight the importance of effective governance. Its repercussions will continue to be felt in the form of secondary fatalities due to inadequate capacities and loss of livelihoods, which have compounded an economic crisis in countries already severely affected by the decline in commodity prices. I salute the resilience of the people of West Africa in overcoming adversity, and their commitment to uphold democratic principles.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“Transnational organized crime units in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Liberia have been conducting effective joint investigations, while the unit in Cote d'Ivoire is working to become operational shortly. Regrettably, progress has been slower in the area of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. The interregional coordination centre in Yaounde, inaugurated in September 2014, is still not fully operational, and the coordination centre covering Togo, Benin, the Niger and Nigeria has yet to receive staff, funding and equipment. We continue to urge all partners to intensify their cooperation in this matter. We welcome with satisfaction the news that there are no more active Ebola cases in the region.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“The new United Nations senior security reform adviser, who was recently appointed by the Secretary-General to support President Alpha Conde of Guinea in his efforts to advance the implementation of SSR, is already working intensely with the President and his Government. At the President's request, the technical follow-up commission and all five technical sector committees on SSR, led by the senior SSR adviser, have resumed the holding of regular meetings. Concerning drug trafficking and transnational organized crime, in November I chaired a meeting of the high-level policy committee of the West Africa Coast Initiative. I was pleased to note the commitment of countries inthe region to fight that scourge.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“It is also critical for countries of West and Central Africa to work on development strategies that address the root causes of the insurgency, notably the underlying socioeconomic grievances of marginalized communities. In that regard, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Bathily and I are working to ensure that the expected Lake Chad Basin Commission summit and the joint summits of the Economic Community of West African States and the Economic Community of Central African States take place as soon as possible. There has also been some progress in the area of security sector reform (SSR).”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“Violent extremism and terrorist activities remain a major threat to security and development in West Africa, further aggravating the region's humanitarian challenges. While some progress has been made in the fight against Boko Haram, that terrorist group continues its indiscriminate attacks against civilians, not only in Nigeria but also in the Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Boko Haram continues to adapt its tactics and is increasingly resorting to using young boys and girls to engage in suicide attacks. In response, countries in the region have intensified their efforts to combat those terrorist tricks and have improved cooperation in areas such as intelligence-sharing. As they conduct military operations against the group, it is critical that they maintain adherence to international human rights, humanitarian law and refugee law.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“With regard to Nigeria, I am encouraged by the establishment of a new Government and by its commitment to actively combating corruption. That will contribute to the creation of an environment that will allow the country to realize its full economic potential. Those developments demonstrate the democratic resolve of the peoples of West Africa. As Council members are aware, five presidential elections are scheduled to take place in 2016 - in Benin, Cabo Verde, the Gambia, Ghana and the Niger. In the lead-up to those elections, I will continue to call on all national stakeholders to utilize dialogue to resolve outstanding elections-related issues so as to create a conducive environment for the holding of peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my congratulations to the people and the leaders of Burkina Faso for their exemplary conduct and peaceful and responsible participation during the polling. The inauguration of President Roch Marc Christian Kabore marked a successful end to the transition period. In Guinea, a dialogue process supported by the United Nations in coordination with regional and international actors enabled the holding of presidential elections in accordance with constitutional deadlines. The peaceful holding of the elections, which resulted in the re-election of President Alpha Conde, constitutes an important milestone in the country's process of democratic consolidation. Peaceful elections were also conducted in Cote d'Ivoire, resulting in the re-election of the incumbent, President Alassane Ouattara.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“Mr. Chambas: I am pleased to be here today to brief the Security Council on the situation in West Africa and the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA). Further to the sixteenth report (8/2015/ 1012) of the Secretary- General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa, which is before the Council, I would like to highlight a few issues and to update members on the most recent developments. There were a number of key political developments in West Africa in the past six months. Peaceful and credible elections were held in several countries. In Burkina Faso, the transitional institutions ensured the holding of the presidential and legislative elections in a timely manner, despite the challenges that emerged following the failed coup d'etat of 16 September.”
2016-01-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7604 (2016) · source
“With the epidemic still active and in a sensitive political context, especially in Guinea, the resources in place since 2014, including those of the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, remain essential to achieving the goal of zero Ebola cases.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“On 24 June, UNOWA facilitated a telephone conference between the Mano River Union secretariat and peace missions in the region, during which emphasis was placed on the difficulties encountered in border areas, as none of the security and confidence-building mechanisms is operational, and restrictions due to Ebola continue to affect local livelihoods. Despite significant achievements in the fight against Ebola, Guinea and Sierra Leone are yet to attain zero-case situations. Most worrisome is the fact that, after declaring a zero-case situation on 9 May, Liberia has detected three new cases; the last was confirmed on 28 June. There have been remarkable examples of neighbourly solidarity in facing the Ebola crisis.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“Our concerns increased following the recent incident on 29 June, when elements of the RSP reportedly attempted to arrest Prime Minister Zida upon his return from a foreign trip. Several gunshots were heard in the Regiment's camp that evening. I should, however, mention the commendable efforts made by President Kafando in appeasing the situation and in keeping the transition on track towards the holding of presidential elections on 10 October. Meanwhile, I plan to visit Ouagadougou upon my return to the region, jointly with the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission and the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, in our capacity as co-Chairs of the International Follow-up and Support Group. Before I conclude, let me draw the Council's attention to the continuous challenges posed by the Ebola virus disease in the region.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“Time is of the essence, given that we have only about four months until the presidential elections. While a number of partners have made pledges, it is expedient that these promises be redeemed soonest. Concerning Burkina Faso, the International Follow- up and Support Group for the Transition in Burkina Faso met on 12 June 2015, in the margins of the twenty- fifth Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, in Johannesburg. The Group noted the progress made in the preparations for elections, notably with the completed revision of the voters' register. Meanwhile, there are concerns regarding what is emerging as the fragile equilibrium of the transition, and in particular the underlying tensions between Prime Minister Zida and the Presidential Security Regiment (RSP).”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“It is pertinent to note that the contentious issue of the sequencing of the elections has been resolved in favour of the holding of the presidential election before the communal and local elections. Longstanding contentious elements dividing the Government and the opposition are now being addressed, notably strengthening the technical capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission, a credible electoral register, and the monitoring and evaluation of the preparations for the presidential election, with the support of the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the International Organization of la Francophonie, and bilateral and multilateral partners. One remaining major challenge is the financial and expertise gap that needs to be bridged for the electoral process in Guinea to be on course.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“As the Commission is actively preparing to initiate confidence-building projects in favour of populations in Cameroon and Nigeria adversely affected by the demarcation, I should note that the United Nations support team has already outlined a completion strategy that establishes specific timetables and projections for concluding the work of the Commission and for passing responsibility for residual and follow-up activities to a bilateral commission exclusively comprising the two countries. In Guinea, the inter-Guinean political dialogue kicked off on 19 June, with the international partners, including the United Nations, sitting as observers. Subsequently, however, the representative of the International Organization of la Francophonie and I assumed an informal facilitation role at the request of Government facilitators and the parties.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“A coordinated post-conflict strategy is required to help restore normal living conditions and livelihood activities and organize the return of refugees and persons displaced by the conflict. While Boko Haram-related insecurity has impeded field assessment in the northern areas, I am pleased to report that in the context of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, which I chair on behalf of the United Nations, the two countries have not relented on completing the demarcation of their common land boundary.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“Immediately after his inauguration, President Muhammadu Buhari visited the Niger and Chad on 3 and 4 June to highlight the high-level consultations and galvanize support in the fight against Boko Haram terrorism. On ll June, an extraordinary summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission member States plus Benin was held in Abuja, where far-reaching decisions were taken to accelerate the effective operationalization of the multinational Joint Task Force. To ensure continuity in the war effort, greater support from all partners remains crucial. In the longer term, addressing the root causes of the insurgency constitutes a condition for lasting stability.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“Since May, the Boko Haram insurgency has stepped up its attacks and violence in the Lake Chad Basin area mainly against civilian targets, leading to renewed deterioration in the security and humanitarian situations. Although Boko Haram's structure and capacity for conventional warfare has been destroyed, that terrorist group continues to perpetrate violent attacks and rampages not only in Nigeria but also in the Niger and Chad, as seen in recent weeks. This underscores the necessity for continued vigilance and coordinated regional action. In this regard, the unprecedented solidarity exemplified by the joint military operations carried out by Nigeria, Chad, the Niger and Cameroon against Boko Haram terrorists since January, with the support of international partners, is indeed commendable.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“The general picture in West Africa today is that of, first, continuous concerns regarding the security situation in the Lake Chad Basin area and its humanitarian impact, in spite of the progress made by the affected countries in the fight against Boko Haram; secondly, continuing risks of instability in several West African nations in the lead-up to their presidential elections later in the year, following the resounding success of the Nigerian electoral process; and, lastly, transnational organized crime and the Ebola virus disease remain a matter of serious concern in spite of continuing national, regional and international efforts to curb these threats. These are areas that will continue to guide our preventive diplomacy and good-offices efforts in the months to come.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“Mr. Chambas: I am pleased to be here today to brief the Council on the situation in West Africa and the implementation of the mandate of the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA). Further to the fifteenth report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa (8/2015/472), which is before the Council, I would like to highlight a few issues and update members on the most recent developments.”
2015-07-07 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7480 (2015) · source
“There were reports of Boko Haram activity outside Bauchi but, as on the day before, it had no impact on the voting process. In other words, Boko Haram was unable to disrupt the electoral process. The legitimacy of the next Government will be an important requisite for garnering global support for an effective response to the insurgency and ensuring Nigeria's long-term stability and prosperity. It is our sincere hope that the next Government will remain committed to the subregional fight against Boko Haram.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“I cannot conclude without referring to an important development in West Africa, namely, the recent general elections in Nigeria that took place over the weekend. In the preliminary statement of its election observation mission, ECOWAS noted that, despite pockets of incidents and logistical challenges, the general elections of 28 March "met the criteria of being free and transparent". The mission commended the enthusiasm, maturity, patience and sense of civic responsibility demonstrated by the electorate, and expressed hope that the same spirit of respect for order and discipline would characterize the rest of the electoral process, especially after the election results are announced. On 29 March, the second day of the elections, voting took place in 330 polling stations.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“As the Lake Chad Basin countries come together to address the menace of Boko Haram, the international community must also support them in eliminating not only the threat, but also the conditions that allow Boko Haram to thrive. In this regard, it will be important for the United Nations to reiterate its commitment to working with regional countries to bring an end to the ongoing violence and to alleviate the suffering of civilians. The Special Representatives of the Secretary- General for West and Central Africa are both already fully engaged in this regard. We are also working on deploying more resources to the subregions to help provide a hands-on approach to assisting the affected Governments.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“I would like to reiterate the Secretary-General's message that a military approach alone will not suffice to contain the Boko Haram threat. The international community can and should play an important role in helping the countries of the region to address the social, economic and political Challenges associated with Boko Haram. In doing so, we have a responsibility to look at the problem and its consequences in a way that puts respect for human life and dignity first. It will therefore be critical to follow up the current military operations carried out by the LCBC countries with stabilization measures and restoration of State authority. During this phase, attention would be focused on creating conditions conducive to the provision of needs-based and principled humanitarian assistance to the displaced populations and returnees.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“We welcome the decision ofleaders ofthe Economic Community of Central African States to better coordinate efforts in the fight against Boko Haram and to hold a joint summit with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to adopt a common strategy. We also salute the sacrifices that the countries of the region have made and the solidarity they have shown by uniting to stop the advance of Boko Haram. We equally welcome the efforts of the LCBC and the African Union towards the operationalization of the Multinational Joint Task Force. While we acknowledge that the Force is already engaging Boko Haram, we are ready to support regional efforts as necessary, in line with the United Nations human rights due diligence policy.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“It is therefore essential that the Multinational Joint Task Force and other counter-insurgency operations uphold the rule of law and abide by international human rights standards. This is not only an absolutely vital principle, but also an effective strategy, as communities that believe that their Government seeks to protect them are far more likely to cooperate with the authorities and far less likely to support insurgent groups. In this regard, we welcome the commitment made by the LCBC countries that their operations will be in full compliance with international humanitarian, human rights and refugee law. We also urge that adequate procedures be put in place to ensure that children being used by Boko Haram are treated as victims and dealt with in accordance with international standards for juvenile justice.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“At the beginning of the year, Boko Haram controlled some 20 local governmental districts in the three north-eastern states of Nigeria. Today, Boko Haram holds only a few areas in Borno state. Moreover, according to reports from the Nigerian army, on 27 March Boko Haram's headquarters in Gwoza was captured. The United Nations is supportive of national and regional efforts to prevent and combat terrorism and to ensure that the perpetrators of terrorism are brought to justice. However, in view alleged human rights violations related to the ongoing counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram, we would like to stress that counter-terrorism operations that are perceived by the affected populations to be disproportionate and brutal violate the very norms that we seek to defend.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“Since the attack in February, schools in the Diffa region have remained closed, depriving children of the right to be educated. The local economy in the Diffa region is also being negatively affected by a continuing state of emergency. In response to these and other concerns, the United Nations is in the process of scaling up its presence and operations in Nigeria, the Niger and Cameroon. In this regard, we appeal to the international community to support humanitarian efforts in the Lake Chad Basin region. The response of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) countries to the threat of Boko Haram has been commendable. The joint regional offensive involving Nigerian, Chadian, Cameroonian and Nigerien troops has led to the recapture of several key towns in north- east Nigeria.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“A recent evaluation mission of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to the far north of Cameroon confirmed that Boko Haram has committed numerous human rights abuses, including indiscriminate and targeted killings, abductions of women and girls, the use of children in military operations, the widespread destruction of property and systematic shooting or slaughtering of captured men who refuse to join their ranks. In the Niger, a similar human rights evaluation was conducted to assess the situation in the Diffa region, following a Boko Haram attack in February. The mission reported that Boko Haram had indiscriminately targeted the civilian population, either killing or forcibly turning captured civilians into combatants. Children had also been recruited either for combat roles or as suicide bombers.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“Significant numbers of refugees and internally displaced persons are adding pressure on host communities that are already food insecure and fragile. I will defer to the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, who will delve further into the impact of Boko Haram activities on the humanitarian situation across the Lake Chad Basin region and the challenges therein. However, allow me to raise a number of human rights concerns.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“In 2014, the group also commenced using young girls as suicide bombers in attacks in populated urban areas. We have also observed an alarming trend of children being used by the group as human shields. Boko Haram's recent declaration of allegiance to the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), whether for publicity reasons or to tap into ISIL's support, is also of concern as it is sends a clear signal that Boko Haram's agenda goes well beyond Nigeria. The impact of Boko Haram attacks has been manifold. Overlapping with the regional impact of other crises, notably that in the Central African Republic, countries such as Cameroon, Chad and the Niger are now facing humanitarian and human rights consequences as a result of the group's activities.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“Mr. Chambas: Ithank you, Sir, for this opportunity to brief the Council on Boko Haram. As Council members are aware, over the past few years the violence and brutality of Boko Haram attacks in north-eastern Nigeria, as well as in neighbouring countries, have intensified. Today as we meet, though weakened, the group continues to commit horrendous acts against civilians, including women and children. We have received reports that children in particular have been abducted, abused, recruited, maimed and killed. Schools in north-eastern Nigeria are no longer safe places of learning, as many of them continue to be attacked, looted and destroyed. Several schools in the areas targeted by Boko Haram in Cameroon and the Niger also remain closed.”
2015-03-30 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7421 (2015) · source
“1 now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion on the subject. 1 would like to thank the Council for its continued interest and support to the consolidation of peace, security and democracy in West Africa. The meeting rose at 3.30pm.”
2015-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7357 (2015) · source
“In mid-November, together with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, I visited the three most affected countries, namely Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, which have been politically and economically isolated. Except for Mali, all neighbouring countries have at some point closed their land borders and imposed flight restrictions. That has also hindered the functioning of regional and subregional mechanisms. While the laudable humanitarian interventions of the international community - including the United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response, which must be highly commendcdfcontinue, we must ensure The President (spoke in Spanish): I thank that the aftermath of the outbreak does not. reverse the Mr. Chambas for his briefing. gains made during years of pcaccbuilding activities in thosethree fragile States.”
2015-01-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7357 (2015) · source