West Africa: Growing Terrorism, Drug Trafficking & Democratic Trends - Briefing | United Nations

The head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) Leonardo Santos Simão said, “the threat posed by terrorist and other non-state armed groups remains acute, especially in the central Sahel and northern Nigeria, rapidly targeting coastal states in the Gulf of Guinea.” The UNOWAS chief briefed the Council (14 Jul) on three broad trends that stand out for the region: first, the concerning security situation, second, the renewal of the momentum for dialogue and cooperation, and thirdly, the democratic developments occurring in the region. Simão stated that the terrorist and other non-state armed groups are “adapting their tactics, increasingly using advanced technology, such as drones, means of communication and cryptocurrencies.” He also highlighted, “coupled with terrorism, drug trafficking, production and consumption are a rapidly growing phenomena in the region, affecting mainly coastal states, where increasing quantities of different types of these substances are being seized by the authorities.” “Youth are the principal victims, but there are also reports of their use by terrorist combatants,” the UNOWAS chief said, adding that political and public institutions in some countries are “reportedly threatened by drug syndicates, leading to their weakening.” “Humanitarian access remains severely constrained in many areas, while funding shortfalls are reducing the reach of life-saving assistance,” Simão said. He added, “women, children and young people continue to bear the brunt of displacement, insecurity, rights violations and limited access to essential services.” “Attacks on schools underscore the wider toll that insecurity is taking on the future prospects of entire communities,” Simão emphasized. The head of UNOWAS highlighted the growing role of the African Union. He said, “it is playing an increasingly important part in fostering dialogue, bringing parties closer together, and ensuring strategic coherence.” “This shift is reflected in strengthened cooperation with ECOWAS as well as increased engagement with Mali and other countries in the region,” Simão added.


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