YouSaid · the spoken record

Kalla Ankourao

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36

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2020-06-11

most recent

2020-10-20

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4

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un-security-council

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1. “Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of the Niger, to the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session: “The impact of the [coronavirus disease] pandemic requires us to revisit the way in which we organize ourselves. What worked 75 years ago no longer works” (see A/75/PV.8). That reflection applies especially to that particular region of the world.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

2. “To that end, the Persian Gulf must be equipped with an inclusive mechanism for cooperation and dispute settlement, with a strong involvement on the part of the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the United Nations. The Council could support such a regional initiative, as it would constitute a strong signal of recognition of the key role that regional organizations play in the peaceful settlement of conflict. In addition, the United Nations could strengthen its presence and become more involved in the quest for solutions to the crises in the Persian Gulf by appointing a representative or a special envoy. I would end my remarks by quoting from the address by His Excellency Mr.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

3. “I wish to reiterate my country’s conviction that there is no alternative to multilateralism and dialogue in the resolution of conflicts involving several nations. I wish also to reiterate our support for the call by the Secretary-General for a comprehensive ceasefire on all parties to the conflict in the region and to commit to respecting international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Notwithstanding certain violent episodes in the region that have on occasion given rise to pessimism, we remain convinced that the achievement of a prosperous and peaceful Middle East where good-neighbourly relations and friendship predominate, on the basis of mutual respect and of the principle of non-interference, is possible.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

4. “We call on the international community, and the United Nations in particular, to spare no effort in supporting peace processes and finding solutions to humanitarian challenges, which are amplified by the persistence of conflict. Regarding the 2015 Iranian nuclear agreement, endorsed by the Security Council in its resolution 2231 (2015), the Niger, like the overwhelming majority of Council members, remains convinced that that resolution remains the appropriate international legal framework for the settlement of disputes on the issue. We therefore encourage all parties to remain committed to its full implementation and to act responsibly and in accordance with the standards of multilateralism.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

5. “My delegation remains convinced that neither Israel nor the Palestinians can ultimately and sustainably realize their legitimate aspirations for security for one and the creation of an independent and viable State for the other without a negotiated solution based on the relevant Security Council resolutions and international law, namely, the creation of two States living side by side. Likewise, concerning the conflicts in Syria and Yemen, which have direct consequences for the entire region, my delegation remains convinced that there can be no military solution to those crises. The only viable way to resolve them must be the resolute quest for a lasting political solution, inspired and supported by the Syrians and Yemenis themselves, with the support of the United Nations on the basis of its relevant resolutions.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

6. “As in most conflicts, the interference of international actors is the primary cause of the instability and persistent tensions in this region. These international actors, each protecting its interests through alliances and agreements with the countries of the region, contribute to fierce rivalries between countries, against the backdrop of an arms race that is increasingly worrisome. The creation of a truly inclusive regional security system as a basis for ensuring a decent future for all the peoples of this region of the world is also inextricably linked to the resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

7. “I remain convinced that the various contributions to this debate will lead to concrete proposals that will enable us to find solutions to the many challenges facing the region. The Middle East, and in particular the Persian Gulf region, rich in diversity and with immense natural resources, have all the necessary assets to ensure prosperity and peace for their 200 million inhabitants. Indeed, the countries of the region hold the world’s largest reserves of oil and gas, share largely the same Islamic culture and are bound by the same millennial history and geography. But unfortunately, the region continues to be the theatre of wars and tensions among countries that were destined to live in peace and harmony.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

8. “At the outset, I would like to express our gratitude to the Russian Federation for organizing this debate on the maintenance of international peace and security in connection with the situation in the Persian Gulf region. I would also like to add the Niger’s voice to those of the other nations of the world to convey our most heartfelt condolences to the people and the Government of Kuwait following the death of His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. This is an excellent opportunity for the Security Council to discuss an issue that is of great importance to global security. Peace and stability in the Persian Gulf is an absolute necessity for the Middle East and, moreover, the world.”

   2020-10-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/1037 (2020) · source

9. “As is often said, poverty and precariousness are the breeding grounds for violent extremism and terrorism. I would like to reassure the Council of my country’s commitment to supporting any regional or international initiative that provides robust responses to the problems related to environmental degradation and its impact on peace and security. In the same vein, I would like to reassure the Council of my country’s readiness to improve its cooperation with States, international organizations and stakeholders.”

   2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

10. “It is critical that the international community ensure international humanitarian law so as to enable the delivery of aid, without political considerations, to millions of women and children made vulnerable by the triple impact of conflicts, the coronavirus disease pandemic and the effects of climate change, particularly in Syria, Palestine, Yemen and Libya. Combating the humanitarian effects of environmental degradation on peace and security is a multidimensional struggle. It integrates the protection and recovery of land, the prudent management of natural resources. In a word, we must lay the foundation for sustainable development that, by meeting the needs of the people, also safeguards them from the propaganda of terrorist groups.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

11. “That is why taking climate change into account requires a more global and concerted approach, because it is only together that we can tackle it. Combating the security risks linked to climate change will require a behavioural change of open-mindedness with regard to the ongoing quest for harmonious balance that will eventually reconcile humankind with our environment. As the Security Council, our objective is not only to resolve conflicts; we also have the fundamental responsibility to prevent them. Understanding the causes, effects and complexities of climate change, especially in conflict zones, is therefore essential in that regard.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

12. “In the context of this double shock, as the agencies on the ground have so aptly stated, climate change and conflict dynamics create a feedback loop in which the impacts of climate change create additional pressures, while conflict undermines the capacity of communities to cope. Moreover, no implementation of environmental restoration projects is possible in areas depopulated as a result of terrorist attacks and insecurity, thus leading to further degradation.The climate-security-development nexus is indisputable. The effective handling of this problem requires cooperation policies better adapted to these new challenges that spare no country and pose a real threat to the peace and stability of States and the fate of future generations.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

13. “In a region where the vast majority of the population depend on agiculture for their livelihoods, if not handled properly, an increase of 2°C by 2050, could lead to a 15 to 25 per cent reduction in food production, in the context of a population that doubles every 18 years in the Niger. In addition to the climate shock I mentioned earlier, the Sahel is also undergoing a security shock, with devastating and tragic consequences. The escalation of violence in the Sahel strip and the Lake Chad basin has led to an increase in the number of displaced persons throughout the region. Currently, one in four people in the Sahel live in conflict zones and 4.5 million people are either internally displaced or refugees. That represents almost three times the number in 2012.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

14. “The Niger, for example, is losing 100,000 hectares per year. The frequency of these climatic shocks greatly reduces the resilience of the population. As indicated by His Excellency Mr. Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of the Niger and Chairman of the Climate Commission for the Sahel region of the twenty-second session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the situation in the Sahel shows the extent to which climate disruption and environmental degradation have an impact on food and nutritional security. Along with conflicts, it is indeed one of the causes of the increase in famine in recent years.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

15. “That situation can be explained by pointing to various constraints, including adaptation challenges, desertification, the scarcity of water and arable land, as well as decreases in or disappearing water levels. These all adversely affect the economic and social life of people worldwide, often in extremely precarious situations. That is particularly the case in the Sahel region and the Lake Chad basin, which are characterized by great fragility and exponential population growth. Indeed, as we already know, those regions are subject to very high climate variability, which is reflected in changes in rainfall patterns, the appearance of extreme weather events and recurring droughts — three in the past decade, with tangible effects on agricultural land, pastureland and water availability.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

16. “At the outset, I would like to pay tribute to the victims of the recent floods in the Niger, the Sahel, East Africa and other regions of the world. As we examine the effects of climate change, these foreseen disasters, which are not the first such alerts, remind us once again of the gravity of this recurring phenomenon that puts at risk our way of life and undermines the ecological stability that has ensured, thus far, a certain harmony between humankind and the environment. I would like to emphasize that all regions of the world are experiencing, in varying degrees, the effects of climate change. Nevertheless, nowhere is this phenomenon more acute or responses to it feebler than on the African continent.”

    2020-09-17 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/929 (2020) · source

17. “I would like to call upon the members of the Quartet on Libya to work with the International Follow-Up Committee, which is responsible for the implementation of the commitments made in Berlin. The sustainability of the Berlin decisions depends on their implementation. Clearly, all the conditions for a long-lasting conflict, with its attendant violence, loss of human life and destruction, are in place. External interference will only exacerbate the crisis, thus further delaying a political solution, which is the only path for enabling the Libyans to take control of their country’s destiny. Only resolute action by the Council, aimed at establishing responsibilities and identifying the real culprits, will be able to stop the consequences of the unacceptable inertia of the international community in that country.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

18. “I commend the role of the International Organization for Migration, which continues to provide valuable assistance to these vulnerable people in that context. In that regard, I would like to congratulate the European Union on having set up the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI operation, in accordance with resolution 2292 (2016). It is our hope that this operation will continue to limit the flow of arms into Libya, including through land borders, by working closely with the Libyans themselves, neighbouring countries and the African Union with a view to ensuring compliance with the arms embargo and the fight against organized crime while monitoring the trafficking of migrants and the illegal export of Libyan oil.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

19. “The time has come for us to show courage and imagination in order to find a definitive and lasting solution to the serious Libyan crisis. A final and lasting peace, which we all seek, cannot be achieved without addressing the serious human rights violations suffered by the Libyan people, the majority of which are against are women and children. In this period of the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing can explain the attacks against hospitals and other civilian infrastructure, which constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. In such a context, particular attention must be paid to the situation of African migrants in detention camps, who are often used as combatants or human shields by the various armed groups in that country.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

20. “This is also the place to recall the urgent need for the appointment of a Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who, by bringing together all the initiatives, will be able to relaunch the peace and reconciliation dynamic that I mentioned earlier. It is now up to the Council to act to fill this vacancy, which has existed for too long. The Niger also supports the work of the Ad Hoc High-level Committee on Libya, established by the African Union, and expresses the hope that the inter-Libyan reconciliation conference will be organized very soon under the aegis of the African Union. We must all convince ourselves that no political solution to the Libyan crisis can be found without the full and complete participation of all the daughters and sons of Libya.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

21. “It cannot be said enough that Libya does not need weapons; it does not need mercenaries; nor does it need to be a theatre for the expression of the will to power of certain international actors. Today it needs reconciliation, peace and prosperity, and it can count on the immense potential of its subsoil to that end. At this juncture, my delegation would like to reiterate the importance of the role that the Security Council, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the European Union and all other relevant actors must continue to play in order to halt the current trend and help Libya to once again become a country of peace, stability and prosperity.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

22. “In that regard, the situation in Mali, where the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali is operating in a fragile context, illustrates with great acuity the problems posed by the situation in Libya, a neighbouring and sisterly country. In that regard, we call on all participants in the Berlin process to honour their commitments by refraining from interfering in Libya’s internal affairs and by giving a chance to the creation of the conditions for a general ceasefire that will allow, as the Secretary-General so rightly requested, for the delivery of humanitarian assistance, which has become crucial at this time of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

23. “Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity continues to be severely tested by external interference, which fuels tensions between the warring parties and seriously undermines the international community’s efforts to restore a political process driven by the Libyans themselves. Such interference, which is now known to be accompanied by massive transfers of weapons of war and mercenaries, is a flagrant violation of resolutions 1970 (2011) and 2292 (2016). Allow me to recall that for nearly 10 years, the five States of the Group of Five for the Sahel have been suffering from growing instability, which is partly rooted in the deplorable situation in Libya.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

24. “From the reaffirmation of Libya’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and the fight against terrorist groups to the achievement of a complete ceasefire, which is a condition for the return to an inter- Libyan political process, and respect for the arms embargo, the various facets of the situation in Libya were addressed by the participants. Six months after the Berlin meeting, I may add, it is regrettable to note that the situation in Libya has deteriorated, instead of the improvement that one could legitimately expect, particularly in view of the commitments made by the various participants at the conference.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

25. “Stephanie Williams, Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for the work she is doing in a particularly difficult context. The presence of several ministers at today’s meeting is proof of the international community’s interest in resolving this crisis. Six months after the Berlin meeting, what could be more normal than this meeting of the Security Council, which endorsed the conclusions of this important conference, in order to assess the progress made since then. Indeed, the Berlin Conference was undoubtedly a meeting where several cardinal principles were laid down.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

26. “The fact that the Libyan question is being discussed, Mr. President, at the very beginning of your presidency of the Council is eloquent proof, if need be, of your country’s commitment to finding a political solution to the multifaceted crisis in that country. Six months ago, the conference on Libya was held in Berlin, your beautiful capital, and so opportunely brought together, around Chancellor Angela Merkel, the representatives of countries and organizations equally interested in finding a solution to the Libyan crisis. I would like to thank Secretary-General António Guterres for the briefing he has just given us and for his continued commitment to the search for a political formula to end the crisis in Libya. I would also like to thank Ms.”

    2020-07-08 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/686 (2020) · source

27. “It is therefore the appropriate time for the Security Council, through the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate, to send a strong signal of solidarity with the people of the Sahel and to issue a firm warning to terrorists that the world will not fail to act in the face of their criminal designs.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

28. “On the eve of the renewal of MINUSMA’s mandate, we thank the Secretary- General for submitting to the Council options for strengthening its support to the G5-Sahel Joint Force. In my delegation’s view, the best option would be one that, while protecting current achievements, would allow for predictable financing, multifaceted support as close as possible to the battalions and the development of local capacities in the area of service delivery, among other things. The Sahel region today faces many challenges that entail risks that could jeopardize international peace and security.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

29. “In the Niger’s view, it is necessary for all to mobilize in order to ensure the survival of the G-5 Sahel States and of the region’s 80 million inhabitants. Equally necessary is for MINUSMA to continue providing critical support to the G-5 Sahel Joint Force. We believe that, with the commitment of the international community, more can be achieved and better in the name of the global public good that is peace. At this stage of my remarks, allow me to reiterate our request, which has been made many times, to see the G-5 Sahel Joint Force established under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. This would give it more legitimacy and ensure predictable funding.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

30. “The Niger continues to believe that the force should be stronger and more robust in the face of terrorist attacks of rare cruelty, which spare neither our defence and security forces nor the forces of our partners in Operation Barkhane, and even less the civilian population, including women and children. The Niger calls on all Member States to provide the required capacity and to mobilize adequate resources for MINUSMA, in accordance with their commitments under the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative. Furthermore, we believe that the creation of a rapid intervention brigade under MINUSMA, similar to the one created under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, could increase its effectiveness.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

31. “That is recognition of the need for adequate, predictable and sustained support to the Joint Force so that it may fulfil its important mission. The Niger welcomes the Joint Force’s change in position and its current format. The harmonization of actions through the joint command mechanism for operations in the Sahel, based in Niamey, is undoubtedly an excellent option. It will support the forthcoming deployment by the African Union of 3,000 troops to support the Sahel countries in their fight against terrorism. The situation in the Sahel, in particular in Mali, is an argument in favour of continuing the work of MINUSMA. In that regard, the Niger would like to see consensus among Council members on MINUSMA’s mandate, budget, size and operational capacity.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

32. “However, we note with concern the lack of adequate resources for the implementation of the plan. In this regard, we urge the Council to favourably consider the allocation of additional financial resources, which is indispensable for the effective implementation of the plan. At the subregional level, we commend the continued efforts deployed by the Joint Force of the Group of Five for the Sahel (G-5 Sahel) in collaboration with international forces, including the forces of Operation Barkhane. We are pleased to note, as recognized by the Security Council last week, that the pace of Joint Force operations has improved, with important victories against terrorists. Since its creation, in 2017, the Joint Force has conducted several major operations in accordance with its mandate.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

33. “Among the further examples of progress made, we welcome the transfer to local authorities, albeit gradual, of responsibility for delivery of services. However, we notice that other crucial reforms are lagging, for example, the setting up of local police, administrative and territorial restructuring, and the redeployment of the reconstituted army units to the north. These reforms, the delay of which constitutes an important obstacle in the implementation of the 2015 peace agreement, should be given the required attention. The Niger welcomes the determined support provided by MINUSMA in the context of stabilizing and gradually restoring State authority in central Mali. We are also encouraged by the MINUSMA adaptation plan for central Mali, pursuant to resolution 2480 (2019).”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

34. “Despite the violence resulting from the ongoing attacks by terrorist armed groups and from the intercommunal conflicts, tangible progress has been made in the peace process in Mali, in particular since the holding of the inclusive national dialogue in December 2019, which was a milestone for the people of Mali in establishing a national consensus on the main political and institutional reforms. Moreover, the holding of legislative elections on 29 March, against the backdrop of rising threats, has clearly shown the world the Malian people’s dedication to democratic values and their desire to return to peace and stability in the country. Progress was also achieved in the promotion of gender equity, with 30 per cent of the legislative seats being won by women.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

35. “It is undeniable that MINUSMA’s efforts have made a major contribution to the gradual stabilization of Mali. Unfortunately, however, they have been made at the high cost of the loss in human lives of its personnel, mostly because of cowardly attacks by armed terrorist groups, which have not observed the international humanitarian truce called by the Secretary-General in response to the coronavirus disease pandemic. Accordingly, I would like both to pay a heartfelt tribute to the troop-contributing countries for their generosity and offer my deepest condolences to the grieving families for their losses.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source

36. “Allow me at the outset to welcome Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Mr. Pierre Buyoya, High Representative of the African Union for the Sahel and Mali, for their excellent briefings and for their personal efforts aimed at stabilizing Mali in particular and the Sahel in general. I would most sincerely like to thank Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Foreign Affairs of France, for having chosen to organize today’s session on United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) during his country’s presidency of the Security Council this month. I would also like to welcome the participation of my ministerial counterparts at this very important meeting for the Sahel. Their presence is testimony of their interest in MINUSMA.”

    2020-06-11 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/2020/541 (2020) · source