West Africa’s stability hangs by a thread due to terrorism and humanitarian crises

Rapidly evolving global political, social, environmental and security challenges threaten to undermine peace and economic development in West Africa, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said on Friday.

At an event commemorating the 49th anniversary of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Mohammed highlighted the progress made, along with immediate challenges.

“Over the last decade, the region has witnessed an exponential rise in terrorism that has reversed its development gains. This has been exacerbated by the resurgence of unconstitutional changes in government that pose a significant threat to regional stability.” , he claimed.

“The 49 years of ECOWAS remind us that the road ahead is difficult, but it is also full of potential. This requires both a multilateral and regional response to the complexities that each country faces“Mohammed added.

Collective solutions

The deputy secretary general stressed the need to use “all existing tools”, while designing new collective solutions to meet the expectations of the population.

Peace and security must underpin the “Vision for Africa” in the socio-economic development framework of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with special emphasis on strong democratic institutions, he said.

“The values ​​of democracy and good governance remain valid for our region. But recent events tell us that populations are questioning our models of democracy and the need to adapt them to local realities,” he added, urging also to address the root causes of conflicts in the region.

Rescue the Sustainable Development Agenda

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) must be rescued, and efforts must be intensified to achieve development goals before 2030, with “bold and transformative” actions, said the number two of the UN.

It emphasized the need to invest in just energy transitions, food systems, digital connectivity, education and skills, as well as climate action and social protection.

A unique opportunity

Mohammed also stressed that the Future Summit September offers a “once in a generation opportunity” to address gaps in global governance, including peace and security as part of the New Agenda for Peace. General secretary.

In this context, Africa will play a key role in finding ways to end existing conflicts and prevent new ones, and women will play a central role.

“As negotiations for a new Pact for the Future (resulting from the Future Summit), I encourage you all to participate in all aspects,” he stated.

Silencing the guns in Gaza and Sudan

To conclude, the Deputy Secretary General drew attention to the conflicts in Sudan and Gaza, “which continue to cause unimaginable suffering, especially to women and children.”

He reiterated the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gazathe unconditional release of all hostages and a path towards a lasting two-state solution.

“We are united in our call for peace, to silence the guns throughout Africa and to work to end all conflicts in the world,” he concluded.