3 April 20235
President,
I thank Special Representative Leonard Santos Simão for his briefing. I have also listened attentively to the statement by Ms. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi.
At present, the political situation in West Africa and the Sahel remains largely stable, and the economy is recovering on an upward trajectory. However, multiple challenges such as terrorism, humanitarian crisis, and climate change persist. The international community should continue to provide constructive support to help countries in the region consolidate the hard-won positive momentum. In connection with the Secretary-General’s report, I would like to make the following three points.
First, advancing the political process through inclusive dialogue. During the reporting period, countries like Mali, Ghana, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire actively prepared for or held elections at various levels, and Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone pressed ahead with inclusive dialogues. Nigeria and Gambia were among the countries making progress in constitutional reform and the fight against impunity. ECOWAS was actively engaged in mediation to push for dialogue and reconciliation and preserve the gains in regional integration and promote political stability. These are all positive progress that needs to be welcomed and recognized. Today, countries undergoing transitions politically in the region are also actively exploring effective models of governance. The international community should respect the will of the countries concerned, support them in pursuing the path of development suited to their national context, and refrain from undue interference or imposition of pressure.
Second, maintaining security and stability through regional cooperation. West Africa and the Sahel continues to suffer greatly from the scourge of terrorism. Revitalizing counter-terrorism cooperation is of great significance for maintaining stability in the region. China welcomes the efforts to restart security cooperation under the Accra Initiative and the launch of joint cross-border patrols by Senegal and Mali, and supports ECOWAS in playing a leading role in combating terrorism in the region, West Africa and the Sahel is at the forefront of counter-terrorism efforts. Hence, greater international support is needed to help the countries concerned combat terrorism and address its root causes. Here, it is important to stress that counter-terrorism efforts should steer clear of double standards and self-serving political agenda.
Third, improving people’s well-being through economic development. According to UN projections, West Africa and the Sahel is expected to see its economy grow by 4.1% in 2025, markedly faster than the previous year. Nevertheless, the region is still home to 32 million food insecure people and a large number of internally displaced persons and refugees. Humanitarian funding has only received less than half of its required amount, and economic and livelihood challenges remain daunting. Instead of cutting it, the international community should continue lending greater support to help women and youth play a greater role, and help countries in the region achieve sustainable economic and social development. West Africa and the Sahel has long been a victim of climate change. Developed countries should actively honor their climate financing commitments and help countries in the region enhance their resilience against climate shocks.
President,
This year, as we mark the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we are also kicking off the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit. China and Africa have always enjoyed mutual understanding, trust, support, and assistance. We stand ready to work with African countries to follow up on what we have achieved at the Beijing Summit, in particular, the ten partnership actions, to advance high-quality China-Africa cooperation and promote peace through development. We will also continue supporting the work of Special Representative Simão and UNOWAS to achieve prosperity, development, and lasting peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.
Thank you, President.