Statement by H.E. Carolyn-Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN at Security Council Arria-Formula Meeting on "Combating the Rise of Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel"

Thank you, Mr. President,

I thank Sierra Leone for convening this Arria-formula meeting which Guyana was pleased to co-sponsor along with our A3+ colleagues. I also thank Special Representative Leonardo Santos Simão, ASG Natalia Gherman, ASG Martha Pobee, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah and Dr. Richard Apau for their briefings. 

Mr. President, Distinguished Delegates,

In the last year, fatalities linked to Islamic militants’ violence increased by 20 percent claiming more than 23,000 lives – the majority of these in the Sahel. This represents almost double the number from 2021.

West Africa and the Sahel remains fraught with instability and conflict. Following the Libyan conflict in 2011, the proliferation of weapons and militant groups has led to entrenched terrorism and violent extremism across this landscape. This has resulted in deplorable human suffering, including the loss of life, displacement of communities, and widespread insecurity.

Terrorism and extremism do not thrive on their own. We must therefore examine and address the root causes which create a fertile environment for their growth. Weak governance and state institutions, ethnic polarization, marginalization, and economic challenges are among the root causes. Climate change, food insecurity and external interference further exacerbate the situation. 

In this respect, I wish to make four points.

First, as we witness increasing cases of unconstitutional change of governments, which appears to be supported by the population - mainly young people - it is clear that the dividends of democracy are not translating into the improvement of people’s lives and livelihoods. This is worthy of careful examination, including to find the gaps, prevent radicalization and contagion, and to ensure a timely return to civilian-led democratic governance.

Second, we must address the issues relating to development. Many countries that are considered “developed” have been built on the foundation of energy and infrastructure. Yet, 140 years plus after electricity was invented, 43 percent of Africans do not have access to electricity, retarding development and job creation. A crucial factor in the development equation is access to financing, which remains problematic for many developing countries. We must therefore frontally address the issue of financing for development.

My third point is on climate change, which acts as a threat multiplier in the Sahel. Recurrent droughts and other climate-induced phenomena contribute to food and water insecurity, displacement, and competition for resources. These serve to aggravate conflicts and make populations more vulnerable to extremist propaganda and recruitment. Adequate funding for adaptation and mitigation must not be delayed. We must also see this as an investment in peace and security.

Fourthly, the international community must continue to support the efforts of the regional bodies, such as ECOWAS and others, including to strengthen relevant institutions to improve effectiveness and efficiency. This could include areas such as enhancement of border security, the strengthening of intelligence-sharing mechanisms, community engagement, youth empowerment, women’s participation and religious tolerance.

Mr. President,

In closing, combining security, development, governance and institutional reforms efforts, and climate action, are crucial in combatting terrorism and violent extremism. Building trust and tolerance are also essential. In this regard, Guyana affirms its solidarity with the countries of West Africa and the Sahel in their fight for lasting peace and security, recognizing too that no country is immune to these threats.

I thank you.