EU Statement - UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting: Combating the Rise of Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel

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Excellencies,

I would like to thank Sierra Leone for organising this important meeting. The European Union firmly believes that the challenges posed by jihadist terrorism in West Africa require our sustained and collective attention.

Today, I want to focus on four key points that the EU considers crucial in addressing this growing threat.

1. We need a comprehensive and inclusive African-led approach that goes beyond military action. The root causes of terrorism must be addressed through good governance, economic and social development, and the inclusion of local communities. In April, at the Abuja High-Level African Counterterrorism Meeting, there was broad agreement on the necessity of a whole-of-society approach. This was also the assessment at the recent Schuman Forum on Peace and Security in Brussels at the end of May, where the EU welcomed the participation of ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah.
2. Strengthening regional cooperation is essential. The EU strongly supports ECOWAS in its efforts to tackle terrorism through regional integration, conflict prevention, and security initiatives. ECOWAS’s comprehensive action plan is critical for a robust response to these threats. We are committed to enhancing the capacity of our African partners, improving the criminal justice system, and bolstering military and intelligence capabilities. Our aim is to weaken terrorist groups by targeting their propaganda, recruitment, and financing networks.
3. Addressing the spillover effects of insecurity in the Sahel on the coastal states of the Gulf of Guinea is imperative. The factors of fragility in these regions are interconnected, and their stability is crucial for the broader region. The EU is implementing an integrated response to support these states in managing insecurity, particularly in their border regions with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. We also support the Accra Initiative, which plays a vital role in regional security coordination.
4. Multilateral cooperation is key to our success. The EU is actively involved in the Global Coalition against Da’esh. And Africa is our geographical priority for the Global Counterterrorism Forum, which we co-chair together with Egypt. The GCTF welcomed Kenya as the first East African member in 2023, and our focus remains on strengthening the Forum’s relevance in Africa. Last week in Cotonou, the GCTF West Africa Working Group addressed countering the financing of terrorism, highlighting the need for coordinated international efforts.

Excellencies,

Allow me to emphasise that our counter-terrorism efforts must be firmly grounded in human rights and the rule of law. Moreover, the involvement of civil society in our efforts is key, as exemplified by a series of events here in New York just three weeks ago, including a breakfast with civil society representatives and the UN Special Rapporteur that we hosted at our Delegation.

Furthermore, we reiterate the need for results-based reporting of UN counter-terrorism efforts in line with the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. This will ensure that our collective efforts are effective and accountable, focusing on tangible outcomes that enhance global security.

In conclusion, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting our African partners. We are the main provider of humanitarian aid and remain deeply concerned about the security and displacement trends caused by terrorism. We believe that multilateralism and international cooperation are essential in fostering lasting peace and security in the Sahel and West Africa.

Thank you.