3 April 2025
Thank you, Mr. President – and thank you, Special Representative Simão, for your briefing.
Dr. Abiola Akiyode Afolabi – thank you for sharing your insights, and importantly, your recommendations for enhancing women’s rights and inclusion in the region. We support these efforts wholeheartedly.
I also want to express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of terrorism and violence across the region, including in the latest terrorist attack in Kokorou, Niger, on 21 March.
Denmark strongly condemns all acts of terrorism and violent extremism.
We also stress that counter-terrorism operations should not be used as an excuse to violate international humanitarian or human rights law. We call on all parties to uphold their obligations to protect civilians.
The briefings we have heard paint a complex picture of this region’s contrasting realities and challenges: of fragility and resilience; of progress and setbacks. What is clear, is that sustained international attention is required to overcome them.
Mr. President, allow me to make three points.
First,
Denmark is gravely concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Central Sahel.
The intensification of violence in Burkina Faso, and persistence of attacks across the wider Sahel region, threaten sustainable peace and development. As always, civilians suffer most.
The southward spread of instability must be curbed. The case is clear: only cooperation can address the cross-border conflict dynamics of the region.
Denmark supports the role of ECOWAS as the regional convener. We urge all actors to strengthen joint security efforts, including through the ECOWAS Standby Force, the Accra Initiative, and the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin.
Regional cooperation is not only a cornerstone for security; it enables the social, economic and political conditions required for peace.
Denmark commends the role played by ECOWAS and its members to sustain free movement despite new geopolitical realities, in the interest of regional cohesion and prosperity.
In that regard we commend the efforts of Special Representative Simão to facilitate dialogue. We call on all actors to continue cooperating with his office.
Second, Mr. President,
No societal problem can be sustainably resolved without a responsive social contract. There are no shortcuts.
Momentum for peace and prosperity is born out of accountable institutions, inclusive political processes and vibrant civic spaces. In this regard we commend the latest elections in Ghana and Senegal.
Denmark is deeply concerned by the restrictions of civic space and repression of human rights across the Central Sahel region, including the prosecution of journalists and activists. The spread of mis- and disinformation further threatens social cohesion and accountability.
We echo the SRSG’s call for continuous, inclusive and meaningful dialogue in countries undergoing transitions. And to advance their swift and full return to constitutional order.
Every day that passes without such progress, will further embolden those benefiting from violence and instability.
Mr. President,
Only through inclusive governance and empowered communities can we effectively address the multiple underlying vulnerabilities and threats facing the region, including the adverse impacts of climate change.
Denmark welcomes UNOWAS’ proactive approach to climate, peace and security, and we encourage further actions in this regard.
Third, Mr. President,
The humanitarian situation in the Sahel region is deeply alarming.
The intensification of violence, coupled with climatic shocks, has put tens of millions of people on the brink of food insecurity, and has put women and girls at increased risk of gender-based violence. More than 6.5 million women, men and children are internally displaced across the Sahel.
These humanitarian conditions are compounded by a severe lack of access to basic services, including education and healthcare. Futures are put on hold, and women and girls bear the heaviest burden, as we have heard here today.
This demands urgent action. Denmark calls on all parties across the region to urgently ensure rapid, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in need.
Mr. President – to conclude,
The challenges facing the Sahel region are complex, they are interconnected, but they are not insurmountable.
Denmark remains a committed partner of the region. As co-penholder for UNOWAS, in partnership with Sierra Leone, Denmark will seek to maintain the Council’s focus on the region. We will support the SRSG in carrying out his important mandate.
We look forward to our continued collaboration with Council members, regional stakeholders, and UN colleagues to this end.
Thank you.