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."
