Security and economic woes plague West Africa, as key elections loom
Leonardo Santos Simãohighlighted the upcoming presidential elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the adoption of constitutional reforms in The Gambia in a tense political environment.
He also praised the recent successful elections in Ghana and Senegal, noting the signing of the Peace Treaty by all Ghanaian presidential candidates and the smooth transfer of power following the orderly concession of political opponents.
In Senegal, he added, the electoral observation mission emphasized the transparency of the electoral process and the trust of political parties in state institutions.
“These two elections demonstrate the progress of democracy in the region,” Mr. Simang said.
Challenges remain
However, some countries in the region – including Ghana and Senegal – still face significant economic challenges.
“They will need support to manage rising debt and implement projects that protect livelihoods, Otherwise, their democratic achievements may not meet the expectations of the people, especially women and youth,” Mr Simao warned.
He also urged prioritizing preventive diplomacy and dialogue in the region, while stressing that he remained committed to promoting mutual understanding and encouraging consensus with all stakeholders.
“While the positive results from these collaborations are incremental, there are signs that collaboration will strengthen People-centred, pragmatic solutions to the region’s security, governance, humanitarian and socio-economic challenges,” he added.
Security threats continue to escalate
As terrorist groups become increasingly radicalized and use sophisticated weapons, including drones, insecurity remains the most pressing concern. Recent attacks in the Central Sahel have claimed many lives, affecting both civilians and security personnel.
Beyond the Sahel, violent extremism and organized crime have begun to spread into Gulf of Guinea countries such as Benin and Togo, threatening further regional instability.
Mr Simang said the suspension of operations by the G5-Sahel Joint Force and the reorganization of the Accra Initiative highlighted the urgent need to reinvigorate regional security institutions.
He called for increased support for the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), the only operational security platform in the Lake Chad Basin, It is working to combat increasingly better-equipped terrorist groups.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
The humanitarian situation in the region remains challenging.
Chad, which hosts two million refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) – including those fleeing violence in Sudan – is dealing with the twin challenges of displacement and severe flooding.
Escalating violence has displaced millions of people in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. And underfunded humanitarian appeals leave many people vulnerable.
“I urge partners to contribute to the humanitarian appeal, which is currently less than 50% funded,” Mr Simang said.
Withdraw from ECOWAS
He also briefed Security Council members at last week’s Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) summit, Leaders noted the decisions of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to leave the EU.
While the formal withdrawal process is expected to begin in late January 2025, ECOWAS leaders also extended a six-month window for dialogue in case reconciliation is possible.
Published by APO Group on behalf of United Nations News.
