Statement by Klemen Ponikvar, Political Coordinator of the Republic of Slovenia to the United Nations, at the UNSC meeting on peace consolidation in West Africa

I would like to begin by welcoming the representatives of Benin and Côte d’Ivoire to this chamber.

I would like to thank Deputy Special Representative Freeman for her comprehensive briefing and valuable insights into recent developments in West Africa and the Sahel. We also express condolences to SRSG Simão.

Throughout our tenure on the Security Council, Slovenia has closely followed the work of UNOWAS and the developments in the region. Regrettably, we have witnessed a gradual erosion of sustained international attention.

As the Council spoke less, as humanitarian funding quietly decreased, the people across the region continued to demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of a profound and multidimensional crises. They face insecurity, humanitarian hardship, development challenges, floods and droughts, and political instability. Often at the same time.

Turning first to the voice of the people of the region, Slovenia stresses the importance of elections that are inclusive, credible, and truly representative.

We are closely following the upcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea, as well as Benin and The Gambia in 2026. Genuine participation and respect for the will of the people will be essential for stability and trust in institutions.

It goes without saying – and yet it needs to be said again. Slovenia strongly condemns the coup d’état in Guinea-Bissau. We call for the immediate restoration of constitutional order, the release of all detainees, and the continuation of the work of the electoral commission. The recent attempted coup in Benin is also of a serious concern.

Turning now to the worsening security situation: as highlighted in your briefing, Madame Freeman, terrorist attacks, intercommunal violence and transnational crime remain persistent and deadly across the region. We condemn all attacks against civilians and humanitarian operations.

We are particularly concerned about the increasingly sophisticated methods and means used by terrorist groups, including advanced weapons and drones. More must be done to disrupt their financing and supply networks.

I wish to take today’s opportunity to call on all actors with influence to prevent the financing of terrorism; stop the flow of arms and ammunition; and avoid fueling social, ethnic, and religious divisions.

In this context, Slovenia welcomes efforts to restore dialogue between ECOWAS and the Confederation of Sahel States. Political divisions simply must not allow the creation of space for terrorist and violent extremist groups to expand their influence.

Finally, I wish to highlight the resilience of the people of West Africa and the Sahel. The numbers are stark. Over one million people affected by floods this season. More than five million remain displaced by conflict. Tens of millions face food insecurity. Yes, communities continue to adapt and endure, however this cannot last. It should not last.

Resilience alone is not enough. The Security Council and the wider UN system must support these efforts by helping reduce tensions, prevent conflict, and create sustainable livelihoods.

During our recent informal experts’ field mission, Security Council members saw firsthand how the engagement of local youth and women peacebuilders, active transboundary water cooperation, and effective early-warning tools can reduce risks. Combined with traditional knowledge and nature-based solutions, these efforts help communities live side by side and endure in a region that too often receives too little attention.

I thank you.

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