“Guterres Drops Reality Check: Sahel Security Crisis is Shaking Things Up Worldwide!”
Rising insecurity, including the proliferation of terrorist and other non-State armed groups, coupled with political instability, is creating a crisis in the Sahel that poses a “global threat”, the UN chief warned Thursday’s high level meeting on the vast African region, which took place behind closed doors at UN Headquarters in New York.
“If nothing is done, the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will be felt far beyond the region and the African continent”, said Secretary-General António Guterres, in his remarks issued by his Spokesperson’s Office.
“A coordinated international breakthrough is urgently needed. We must rethink our collective approach and show creativity, going beyond existing efforts.”
The insecurity is making a “catastrophic humanitarian situation even worse”, he said, leaving some beleaguered national governments, without any access to their own citizens.
‘Deadly grip’ tightening
Meanwhile, “non-State armed groups are tightening their deadly grip over the region and are even seeking to extend their presence into the countries of the Gulf of Guinea.”
The indiscriminate use of violence by terrorist and other groups means that thousands of innocent civilians are left to suffer, while millions of others are forced from their homes, Mr. Guterres told the meeting of national leaders, during the High Level Week summit.
“Women and children in particular are bearing the brunt of insecurity, violence and growing inequality”, he said, with human rights violations, sometimes committed by security forces mandated to protect civilians, “of great concern”.
© UNOCHA/Michele Cattani
Refugee women prepare food in a displacement site in Ouallam, in the Tillaberi region of Niger.
Climate factor
And the crises are being compounded by climate change, said the UN chief, with soil erosion and the drying-up of water sources, “thereby contributing to acute food insecurity and exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders.”
“Against a global backdrop of turmoil on energy, food and financial markets, the region is threatened by a systemic debt crisis that is likely to have repercussions throughout the continent.”
The conventional international finance remedies are not helping, the UN chief said bluntly, with more and more countries forced to channel precious reserves into servicing debt payments, leaving them unable to pursue an inclusive recovery, or boost resilience.
“It is absolutely necessary to change the rules of the game of the financial reports of the world. These rules of the game are today completely against the interests of developing countries, and in particular the interests of African countries”, said Mr. Guterres, “with debt problems, with liquidity problems, with inflation problems, with instability, necessarily posed by this profound injustice in international financial and economic relations.”
Democracy, constitutional order
The UN chief called for a “renewal of our collective efforts to promote democratic governance and restore constitutional order” across the whole Sahel, which stretches from Senegal in the west to northern Eritrea and Ethiopia in the east, a belt beneath the Sahara of up to 1,000 kilometres.
The rule of law and full respect for human rights are indispensable for ensuring security and sustainable development, Mr. Guterres said.
Addressing national leaders and senior politicians from the region, he said the UN “stands ready to work alongside you, with urgency and solidarity, for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Sahel.”
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
“The Sahel security crisis is indeed a global game changer. If we don’t act now, the repercussions could go far beyond Africa. A coordinated international effort is essential to tackle terrorism and violence in the region. Let’s join hands and rethink our approach to make a difference!”
As a concerned citizen, I fully agree with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the urgent need for a coordinated international breakthrough to address the security crisis in the Sahel. The situation poses a grave threat that could have far-reaching global consequences if left unattended. It’s crucial for national governments to unite and take creative, collective actions to combat terrorism and violence in the region, thus preventing a catastrophic humanitarian disaster.
As an expert in international affairs, I fully agree with Secretary-General António Guterres’ warning about the Sahel security crisis. It is crucial that we take immediate and coordinated action to address the growing threat of terrorism and armed groups in the region. The humanitarian situation is already dire, and if left unchecked, it could have far-reaching global consequences. It’s time for the international community to step up and work together to find innovative solutions to this complex crisis.
“The situation in the Sahel region is dire and requires immediate international cooperation. If we don’t act swiftly, the consequences will be felt beyond Africa. It’s time for innovative solutions and joint efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime.”
How can the international community effectively address the escalating security crisis in the Sahel region and prevent its global repercussions?
To effectively address the escalating security crisis in the Sahel region and prevent its global repercussions, the international community must prioritize cooperation, intelligence sharing, and sustainable development efforts. This crisis demands a united front and a multifaceted approach that tackles root causes while also enhancing security measures. Collaboration among nations, support for local communities, and robust diplomatic engagement are key to combating the challenges posed by terrorism and instability in the region.
“If nothing is done, the effects of terrorism, violent extremism and organized crime will be felt far beyond the region and the African continent. A coordinated international breakthrough is urgently needed. We must rethink our collective approach and show creativity, going beyond existing efforts.”
Is there any specific plan in place to address the security crisis in the Sahel region mentioned in the article?
Yes, international cooperation is essential to tackle the security crisis in the Sahel region. A unified approach is crucial to combat terrorism and instability, and prevent the spread of violence beyond Africa.
How can the international community effectively address the security crisis in the Sahel region to prevent its global consequences?
To effectively address the security crisis in the Sahel region and prevent its global consequences, the international community must prioritize collaboration and coordination among nations. This crisis requires a united front, with increased intelligence sharing, joint military efforts, and support for local communities to counter extremist ideologies. It’s time for swift and decisive action to stem the spread of violence and instability beyond the region’s borders.
“This is a stark wake-up call to the international community. The Sahel crisis is not just a regional issue, but a global threat that demands immediate action. We cannot afford to stand by and watch as innocent lives are lost and entire populations suffer. It’s time for a united front and innovative solutions to address this escalating security crisis.”
As the situation in the Sahel worsens, it is clear that urgent global cooperation is crucial to prevent this security crisis from spreading beyond the region. The Secretary-General’s call for a coordinated international breakthrough is spot on. We cannot afford to ignore the catastrophic humanitarian impact of terrorism and armed groups on innocent civilians.