The G5 Sahel Joint Force member states Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Chad on front line of counter-terror in west Africa region.

By Gary Raynaldo       DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

UNITED NATIONS –  NEW YORK – “France is convinced that the international community can succeed in stabilizing the Sahel, if it acts in a united and determined manner,”  Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, Permanent Representative of France to the UN told the Security Council last Friday.   Terror and violent attacks linked to militant Islamic groups in the Africa SAHEL  region have increased dramatically during the past few years.  The main African countries on the front lines in the battle against terrorism in the dangerous Sahel region are Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Chad, and Burkina Faso.  Last week, at least 15 persons were killed in northern Burkina Faso in an armed terrorist attack.  In April, about 25 soldiers were killed  in an extremist attack on  a Malian Armed forces (FAMa) base in Bamba, northern Mali.

“The joint force of the G5 Sahel, under the resolute command of General Namata, and the national armies of these countries, have recently increased military operations. Despite heavy losses, they achieved concrete results: neutralization of many terrorists, seizure of weapons and equipment, release of hostages. These armed forces gain more autonomy and coordination. In addition, the countries of the region, including Niger, a member of this Council, despite limited resources, show resilience and maintain a dynamic democratic life. We must salute their commitment.”

-France  UN  Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière

 Credit UN Photo /  Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière, Permanent Representative of France

Terrorist Groups Exploiting COVID-19 in Sahel,  UN peacekeeping Chief     

“We are seeing attempts by terrorists and other groups in the region to capitalize on the pandemic to undermine State authority and destabilize Governments with innocent lives being lost daily, schools shuttered and many people denied access to basic social services.”  Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN’s peacekeeping Chief told the Security Council.  Lacroix and the French ambassador were briefing a videoconference meeting of the Council as the UN considers options for beefing up its support for the G5 Sahel Joint Force, including through its MINUSMA peacekeeping mission in Mali.

“The G5 Sahel Joint force is on the right track, but there is still a long way to go”, Lacroix said, adding that a stronger Joint Force is only part of a comprehensive international approach for the Sahel that includes improving governance, eradicating poverty and protecting human rights for all.