The United Nations Security Council is convening today for a briefing on bolstering regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region. The session falls under the agenda item of ‘Consolidating Peace in West Africa.’
The briefing will be led by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio. Presentations will be delivered by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray.
According to a concept note circulated by Sierra Leone, the meeting aims to galvanize international support for regional initiatives that promote long-term stability by addressing the root causes of insecurity. The session will also highlight various normative frameworks developed over the years to combat terrorism and organized crime, as well as ongoing cooperation between the UN and the African Union in this critical area.
Secretary-General Guterres is expected to focus his briefing on developments in West Africa and the Sahel since the Council’s last meeting on the issue in August. Touray will highlight the ongoing efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to combat terrorism and other security threats within the region.
The persistent threat of terrorism continues to destabilize the Sahel and West Africa, exacerbating existing challenges related to governance, development, and humanitarian crises. The Security Council’s focus on regional cooperation underscores the importance of a coordinated approach to effectively address these complex and interconnected issues. DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
This meeting represents a crucial opportunity to reaffirm international commitment to supporting regional efforts in West Africa and the Sahel.
