Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the UNSC briefing on Peace Consolidation in West Africa

Thank you Madam President,

I would like to thank Special Representative Simão for his insightful remarks, especially on the most recent developments in the region.

Since this is the first meeting of the UN Security Council on this matter since the adoption of the Presidential Statement on UNOWAS, I wish to reiterate Slovenia’s strong support for your work in the security, political, humanitarian and human rights domain.

There are two striking messages, contained in your report that I would like to revisit in my  remarks today.

Firstly, as the multidimensional and interconnected crises persist, your office reported over 8.200 schools remaining closed in the Central Sahel, affecting over 1,5 million children.

In conflict-affected situations, education is a lifeline for children amidst upheaval and instability. It plays a pivotal role in fostering resilience among the children and their families, and contributes to the prevention of their recruitment and use by armed groups.

Secondly, you report about the absence of noteworthy progress on women’s representation in decision-making bodies. Without women’s representation neither the newly democratically appointed governments, nor the transitional structures benefit from the much needed perspectives, skills and experience that women bring to the table.

Slovenia fears that the grim picture of persistent inequalities and inability to improve the human rights situation, including economic, social and cultural rights in the region, only further contributes to the environment in which terrorist and violent extremist groups thrive and expand.

Madam President,

Precarious security environment and persistent terrorist threats in the Central Sahel and neighboring regions are a matter of our utmost concern.Terrorist attacks on health centers, food reserves, water services, schools and places of worship are leading to devastating protection crisis, in particular for women and children.

A recent conviction of Al Hassan, former chief of Timbuktu Islamic Police, by the International Criminal Court represents an important step for the victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region.

At the same time, it reaffirms the commitment of the international community to deliver justice and ensure accountability for atrocities, including those committed by terrorists and extremist groups against civilian population.

This leads me to my final point. West Africa and the Sahel have long grappled with instability and conflict, and yet the history has shown the resilience and ability to overcome challenges, including democratic backsliding. The region has tackled previous waves of instability through concerted regional efforts and in cooperation with the United Nations.

Amidst evolving threats from terrorism, extremism, and organized crime, safeguarding gains of regional integration, including in the framework of ECOWAS, remains crucial. We are afraid that the regional fragmentation will only weaken collective responses, exacerbate divisions, and hinder effective coordination against common threats.

Threats that encompass violence, food insecurity and climate pressures that increase fragility and weaken the capacity of the people of Sahel to cope with shocks, as cautioned by the Director-General of International Organization for Migration at the Arria formula meeting earlier this week.

To conclude, Slovenia welcomes your outstanding efforts, Mister Simão, to reestablish unity and inclusivity and support West Africa and the Sahel in navigating the complexities and securing a safe, prosperous and democratic region.

I thank you Madam President.

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