Statement by Jennifer MacNaughtan, UK Minister Counsellor, at the Security Council meeting on West Africa and the Sahel.
I will make three points:
First, we strongly condemn the recent coup in Guinea-Bissau and the attempted coup in Benin.
These actions undermine democratic governance across the region.
We urge a swift return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, the publication of official election results, and the immediate release of political prisoners.
We commend the mediation efforts of ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as their leadership.
Second, we underscore the importance of regional cooperation to tackle the transnational security challenges in the region.
Terrorist attacks, organised crime, and climate change continue to destabilise communities and weaken national governance.
Regional coordination is critical, and we welcome the work towards a regional standby force and efforts to build on the ECOWAS Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
We commend too the increased engagement between ECOWAS and the AES.
We welcome the progress made by Cameroon and Nigeria in implementing the ICJ judgement on their land and maritime boundaries.
This is a good example of regional cooperation improving security.
Third, we remain deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in the central Sahel, where an estimated 12.1 million people will require urgent assistance in 2026.
As reflected in the Secretary-General's report, access challenges and bureaucratic impediments continue to undermine the timely and efficient delivery of life-saving assistance.
We urge all efforts to ensure rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to those in need.
To conclude, the United Kingdom will continue to support the important work of UNOWAS and regional organisations to help build peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel.
