"WEST AFRICA"

As armed groups, coups d’état destabilize West Africa, Sahel, role of United Nations Regional Office key in consolidating democracy, speakers tell Security Council.

Daily Press Briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General

Giovanie Biha, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, told the Security Council, “Despite efforts by national security forces and international partners, insecurity has again deteriorated in large parts of the region.” UNIFEED

Noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

The Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations Office of Counterterrorism, Vladimir Voronkov, said, “Despite continuing leadership losses by Al-Qaida and Da’esh, terrorism, in general, has become more prevalent and more geographically widespread, affecting the lives of millions worldwide.” UNIFEED

Elections in central African countries show significant progress, but Security Conditions could disrupt democratic strides, briefers tell Security Council.

Speakers call for greater cooperation among counter-terrorism committees to combat evolving global threats, as subsidiary body chairs brief Security Council.

A top United Nations official for Africa told the Security Council that pirate groups in the Gulf of Guinea “are adapting to changing dynamics both at sea and in coastal areas” and said criminal networks may be shifting to “less risky and more profitable” activities. UNIFEED

Indiscriminate violence by terrorists compounding already disastrous humanitarian situation in Sahel region, Assistant Secretary-General tells Security Council.

The UN top official for Africa warned the Security Council today that the security situation in the Sahel “continues to deteriorate” and “the indiscriminate use of violence by terrorist groups means that thousands of innocent civilians suffer, while millions more are forced from their homes.” UNIFEED