Special Representative Simão and Ms. Abiola-Akiyode delivered briefings at a recent UN Security Council meeting on peace consolidation efforts in West Africa and the Sahel. The United States commended their work toward promoting stability in the region.
Highlighting the urgency of addressing security and cooperation challenges, it was noted that the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) should play a leading role in regional diplomatic solutions. The United States condemned the March 21 attack by the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, which resulted in the death of at least 44 civilians in Niger. This attack indicated a growing terrorist threat in the region, worsening displacement and insecurity. The importance of collaborating with regional partners to address these extremism threats was emphasized.
In the Lake Chad region, Boko Haram's continued violence was condemned, including a March 24 attack killing 12 Cameroonian soldiers. Counterterrorism efforts must go beyond security measures and involve comprehensive preventive strategies, ensuring human rights and the rule of law are respected, as this helps to curb terrorist recruitment.
The U.S. supports UNOWAS in facilitating dialogue between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the AES's exit from ECOWAS, to address economic and security consequences.
Attention was also drawn to the crisis in Sudan, impacting the UNOWAS area, with an appeal for violence to end. Concerns were raised about South Sudan's political conflict, risking another civil war that might have catastrophic regional consequences.
The remarks concluded with a call for action and cooperation among the affected states and international bodies.