3 April 2025
Thank you Mr. President,
I would like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leonardo Simão and Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi for their briefings.
Their remarks on the harsh realities of political, security and humanitarian developments on the ground clearly show that the Security Council benefits from frequent updates on the developments in West Africa and the Sahel. I would like to make three points in this regard:
First, while we are concerned over the significant risks of regional fragmentation and divisions, Slovenia notes the establishment and development of the Alliance of Sahel States by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as well as their formal withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
We hope the Council will soon have a chance to get more clarity on the separation process. Additionally, we look forward to gaining insights on contingency planning regarding political, economic, and security relations between the ECOWAS and the Alliance.
Given the transnational nature of the challenges in West Africa, a regional framework for peace and security cooperation must be preserved. We strongly support the efforts of the Special Representative Simão in offering good offices to the region.
Secondly, there should be no illusion that the Central Sahel region faces an unprecedented terrorist threat. The grim statistics on civilian casualties and the high levels of internally displaced are stark indicators of this reality. Food insecurity and widespread school closures, depriving many children of education, further attest to the situation in the region. Entire towns are besieged or separated by barricades, making daily survival a struggle for civilians.
Slovenia is deeply concerned by reports of high levels of violence committed by Al-Qaida-affiliated JNIM and the Islamic State-Sahel Province, as well as the rise of the Lakurawa group.
Of particular concern is the Special Representative’s reporting on an increasing threat to the coastal states of the region, especially Benin and Togo.
Locally owned, regionally driven solutions will be essential for a long-term, sustainable peace. We support ongoing efforts through the Multi-national Joint Task Force and the reformed Accra Initiative.
Thirdly, the international community cannot turn a blind eye to the development challenges and humanitarian needs in West Africa and the Sahel. But it must also not overlook the serious human rights violations and recurring breaches of international humanitarian law.
Slovenia raises concerns over the conduct of military operations in the Central Sahel, designed against non-state armed groups, which have too often led to indiscriminate targeting and unlawful killings of civilians, including members of ethnic minorities.
We reiterate that all operations must be carried out in strict compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law, including through appropriate training for voluntary defence forces.
To conclude, Mr. President, we express our firm support to the work of the Special Representative and his Office, including in their work related to the promotion of the whole-of-government approach to regional challenges, consolidation of democracy, rule of law and timely democratic transitions. And ultimately, a culture of adherence to international law across the region, supported by accountability mechanisms. All of each is strongly linked to efforts for peace and stability as well as sustainable development in the region.
I thank you, Mr. President.