Statement by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva at an open VTC of UNSC members on G5 Sahel Joint Force
At the outset, I would like to say that we regret the format of this meeting. Given the positive dynamic of the epidemiological situation in New York, it is high time that the Security Council returned to in-person meetings (with all social distancing and other requirements duly observed). Besides, the Security Council chamber is equipped to accommodate all these needs.
Mr. President,
We thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix for briefing us on the regional developments. We also thank Commander of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force Brigadier General Oumarou Namata, as well as Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Permanent Representative of Egypt Mohamed Edrees for the information that they presented. We welcome the participation in this meeting of Chad’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, African Integration and Chadians Abroad.
Russia shares the assessments that were made today, that over the reported period the situation in Sahel not only failed to improve, but to a large extent deteriorated. Terrorist activity has burst out with renewed force, inter-ethical and inter-communal conflicts have expanded. All of this produced a most negative impact on the security situation. Dozens of military servicemen and hundreds of civilians were killed by terrorists. The statistic is truly heartbreaking.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. The number of refugees and IDPs has increased. Challenges to food security are at their peak value. All this demands the states of the region to take urgent measures to resolve the acute socio-economic problems, strengthen state institutions, protect human rights. Otherwise it will create more favorable conditions for radicalization of the population, including young people.
We support the efforts of G5 Sahel to deploy Joint Force to counter terrorism and organized crime that has become an important element of regional security. We commend the success of several counter-terrorist operations carried out by the Joint Force within the reporting period. There is a need to further coordinate action, both within the Sahel Force, and with the UN Stabilization Mission in Mali and other military presences in the region.
It is obvious that full-fledged functioning of G5 Sahel Joint Force depends on two key factors: ensuring stable and predictable financing, and rendering relevant transportation and logistical support. In this regard, we support the assistance that MINUSMA provides to the Joint Force in accordance with its mandate, stipulated in UNSC resolution 2531. This resolution envisages flexible mechanisms to improve the Mission, which we hope will soon be put to practice.
We positively assess the regional initiatives to advance interaction between the Joint Force and the United Nations. We are ready to look into relevant proposals, i.a. those relating to establishment of a special division – like the UN Support Office in Somalia. We believe that the positive expertise in rendering technical and logistical support to AMISOM can be adapted and applied to the Sahara-Sahel region.
In general, we are convinced that further coordinated steps aimed at countering terrorism in Sahara-Sahel are highly important, and need to be made by both the Africans and the international community. Hopefully, the concept of deploying African Standby Forces in the Sahel, that the African Union elaborates together with the regional organizations will soon bear fruit.
Russia closely follows the developments in the region. We provide military and technical assistance to a number of states, train military and police personnel. We intend to carry on with this work.
Thank you.
