United Nations, New York – The A3+ group within the UN Security Council reiterated its call for intensified regional coordination and enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel region. The group emphasized that these cross-border threats continue to undermine security, stability, and development efforts in the area.
During a Security Council session dedicated to exploring ways to support peace in West Africa, the Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, Michael Imran Kanu, speaking on behalf of the A3+ group – comprising Algeria, Somalia, Sierra Leone, and Guyana – highlighted the fragile security situation in several countries, including Guinea-Bissau and Benin. He stressed the need for renewed support for regional mechanisms, particularly the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The A3+ group underscored that the persistent insecurity in the Central Sahel region poses a direct threat to neighboring coastal states. Terrorism, by its very nature, is a transnational phenomenon, they noted, adding that it cannot be effectively combated without broad regional cooperation based on coordination, information sharing, and joint action.
The group also expressed concerns about the deteriorating security and political situations in West Africa, fueled by the escalating attacks of terrorist groups, particularly Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa. This has resulted in the expansion of violence, disruption of essential services and economic activities, and complicated the delivery of humanitarian aid due to the use of sophisticated weaponry.
In this context, the A3+ emphasized the importance of continuous dialogue with countries in the region to ensure coordinated and effective responses. They called for enhanced cross-border cooperation, intensified information sharing, and the development of joint border monitoring mechanisms. The group also advocated for supporting and strengthening continental mechanisms, specifically the African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) and the African Union Center for Counter-Terrorism.
