New York, 25 November 2015 - Security threats continue to be the main preoccupation in the Sahel region. Increasingly, the countries of the region, who are among the poorest and least developed in the world, are forced to dedicate significant portions of their budgets to address security threats, in a region where only 56 percent of children have access to primary education, and only 36 percent of the population can read and write. This creates an unsustainable cycle that, without substantial international support, risks worsening.
In her briefing to the Security Council, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Sahel, Ms. Hiroute Guebre Sellassie, emphasized the urgent need for continued international attention and action. She warned that youth and women in the Sahel, who represent the majority of the population, are particularly vulnerable to radicalization and recruitment by terrorist groups. With millions of young people facing limited opportunities, the region is at risk of becoming a breeding ground for terrorism and migration.
Ms. Guebre Sellassie also pointed out the deepening link between terrorism and illicit trafficking, as drug traffickers increasingly collaborate with armed groups and terrorist organizations. She stressed that efforts to prevent conflict in the region must address these criminal activities, as they perpetuate insecurity and undermine governance.
Despite these challenges, the Special Envoy noted positive developments. She highlighted the growing leadership of the Sahel countries in addressing regional issues and the strengthened cooperation among countries and international partners. She particularly acknowledged the efforts of regional organizations such as the G5 Sahel, ECOWAS, and the African Union, as well as improved coordination among UN entities working in the region.
In her concluding remarks, Ms. Guebre Sellassie made two key recommendations to the Security Council: to remain engaged in supporting the Sahel region and to expand existing mechanisms to monitor and prevent the trafficking of drugs and other illicit activities, which fund terrorism and instability.
The Special Envoy’s message was clear: while the Sahel faces serious and interconnected challenges, sustained international support and regional cooperation offer the path forward to stability and peace.
