20 December 2024
Thank you, Madam President.
I would like to begin by thanking the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr Leonardo Santos Simão, not only of his intervention but also of the cooperation with him and his office during our mandate as co-penholder for this dossier. And I thank Ms Levinia Addae-Mensah for her presentation.
West Africa and the Sahel – and we have just heard it again – are at a crossroads. The multifaceted challenges facing the region are complex and far-reaching. We remain, however, convinced that they are not insurmountable.
As part of our mandate within the Security Council these past two years, we could extend the UNOWAS mandate for three years in January 2023 and adopt a Presidential Statement in May. Through these products, we have sent a clear message of support, unity and solidarity from this Council towards the region. In addition, Switzerland, as co-chair with Mozambique of the Informal Expert Group on Climate, Peace and Security – I’d also like to thank my colleague from Mozambique for all the work we’ve done together – we organized a trip to the Lake Chad Basin region earlier this month. I look forward to exchanging some valuable conclusions during the consultations. I would also like to refer to and support the statement made by my dear colleague from Guyana, who will be making a statement on behalf of our two delegations on the important issue of the link between hunger and conflict. I would also like to thank her for the work throughout the year.
Madam President,
Based on the experience of the last two years, the following elements seem essential to us:
Firstly, a holistic approach to peace and security. The issue of insecurity is the major challenge that also hinders the improvement of the socio-economic and humanitarian situation. We are alarmed by the persistence of armed conflict, terrorism and violent extremism, and their spread to coastal states. This trend requires our collective vigilance. Switzerland calls for greater cooperation and support for regional initiatives. It is necessary to engage in actions to maintain and promote dialogue and social cohesion, and to tackle the root causes of this fragility.
Secondly, the importance of inclusive dialogue. The political and governance landscape in West Africa and the Sahel has seen both challenges and opportunities over the past two years: Switzerland reiterates the essential role of political dialogue and inclusive political processes in restoring and maintaining peace in the region. As stated by Simone Mbodé Diouf, African Youth Ambassador for Peace for the West Africa Region, “recognizing the importance of empowering women and young people is not just a matter of words. Without real political will, little progress will be possible.” In this respect, we welcome the successful elections and democratic transitions of power, notably in Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana this year. We note that some countries in transition have not yet made tangible progress, and we encourage them to return to constitutional order as soon as possible. Following the 66th ordinary ECOWAS summit on December 15, Switzerland encourages the resumption of inclusive dialogue and the implementation of confidence-building measures to overcome differences and promote mutual understanding. Regional collaboration, taking into account cross-border dynamics, is essential to meet the challenges facing the region.
Thirdly, factors exacerbating security challenges. We welcome the various regional dialogues and workshops on climate, peace and security supported by UNOWAS, as well as the guidance provided to local authorities, particularly with regard to climate security risk assessments. During the visit of the informal expert group on climate, peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin region, exchanges with stakeholders on the ground provided an insight into how climate change exacerbates armed conflict and other security challenges. In a region where almost 80% of the population depends on agriculture, livestock breeding and fishing, the impacts of climate change on livelihoods, for example, contribute to the intensification of violent extremism and encourage recruitment into armed groups. However, the trip demonstrated that climate change can be an entry point for local, national and regional cooperation, aimed at promoting social cohesion and resilience.
Madam President,
It is crucial to maintain and even intensify holistic support for countries in crisis. With action at all levels, it is possible to find solutions to the region’s multifaceted challenges. I sincerely hope that the Security Council will continue to show leadership and work closely with UNOWAS and the Special Representative, the African Union and sub-regional organizations, to overcome the obstacles to lasting peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.
In conclusion, allow me to warmly thank our co-editors in this dossier, Ghana in 2023 and Sierra Leone, for their excellent collaboration and expertise in the region. Mr. Special Representative, since you took office, you have played a key role in preventive diplomacy. Switzerland supports your efforts to consolidate peace, security and democracy in West Africa and the Sahel. I am also grateful for the collaboration with all the members of the Security Council. While Switzerland is about to leave the Security Council, it will continue its commitment beyond its mandate, and will remain committed to peace and security in the world and on the African continent.
Thank you.