UNSC Meeting (Briefing and Consultations) on G-5 Sahel

(Wednesday, 18 May 2022; 1000 hrs)

Let me begin by thanking ASG Martha Pobee, Executive Secretary of the G5 Sahel Eric Tiare, and Dr. Solange Bandiaky-Badji, Coordinator & President, Rights and Resources Initiative, for their respective briefings.

2. As evident from SG’s report, terrorist forces are taking advantage of the unstable political and security situation in Sahel region, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso. The consolidation and expanding footprint of Al-Qaida and ISIL affiliated terrorist groups in Sahel, and their growing nexus with organized criminal network have enabled their easy access to arms, equipment, technology, and financial resources, as well enabled their expansion in influence towards the coastal region of Gulf of Guinea.

3. We strongly condemn last week’s barbaric and cowardly terrorist attack on a military outpost in Togo--a country which has remained free of terrorist violence so far--wherein 8 brave soldiers were martyred. This incidence is another reminder to the international community that terrorism’s contours are not just regional but global. Defeating it requires a decisive zero tolerance approach across all levels– national, regional, and international—and jointly by all stakeholders involved.

4. Addressing the threat of terrorism is a pre-condition to achieve any meaningful peace in the Sahel region. At the same time, the regional security initiatives such as Joint Force of G5 Sahel have an important role to play. In recent months, G5-Sahel security mechanism has been seriously affected by lack of political direction and coordination on the ground.

5. Mali’s decision to withdraw from all G5 Sahel organs and entities changes the dynamics of the regional efforts in play. This development coupled with the political uncertainty over transition timelines in Mali and Burkina Faso will adversely impact the operations of the Joint Force. Operations in the Liptako Gourma tri-border area, shared by Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, which has been the hotspot of terrorism in the region, have already been impacted.

Effective collaboration and trust building among the G5 Sahel countries is necessary to enable the Joint Force to undertake counter terrorism operations. We believe it is important that an agreement be reached swiftly between Mali and ECOWAS on political transition and elections. The key to peace in Mali lies in a Mali-owned and Mali-led process and one which is seen as inclusive and representative by the people of Mali. Peace in Mali is a pre-requisite for peace in Sahel.

6. As has been noted in SG’s report, a lack of consensus amongst partners and donors on the support mechanism for the G5 Joint Force has proven to be a significant obstacle to its effective functioning. The force is suffering from capacity constraints, such as lack of training, equipment, air assets, logistical supports etc. It is important that traditional peacekeeping be complemented by regional operations to neutralize terrorist groups and entities.

7. We, therefore, reiterate our call for providing sustainable and predictable support to the Joint Force by its international partners, as well as through the UN assessed contributions. The Secretary General in his previous reports had provided various options of support. The Council needs to break its indecisiveness and seriously examine those options.

8. India has a long history of contributing to the defense and security needs of the African continent including countries in the Sahel region. We remain committed to supporting them through exchange of expertise and providing counter insurgency and counter-terrorism training to the defense and security forces of African countries. The prosperity and wellbeing of the peoples of the G5 Sahel are of utmost importance to us and in that shared pursuit, India remains steadfast in its commitment.

I thank you, Mr. President.