UNSC briefing on UNOWAS

[8 July 2021]

India statement

By

Mr. R. Ravindra

Deputy Permanent Representative & Political Coordinator

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Let me begin by thanking SRSG Annadif  for his briefing.  I also thank civil society representative Ms. Chantal Ayemou for her insights as well.

2. UNOWAS is a political mission with a mandate for preventive diplomacy, political mediation and facilitation efforts. It is important for the Mission to remain focused on its mandate and work with national governments and regional organizations, particularly ECOWAS, and assist them in their efforts to address the challenges faced by the region. Today, I will focus my comments on the political, security and humanitarian developments in the region.

3. West Africa and the Sahel region, as illustrated in the report, have made notable progress in the path towards democracy and good governance. The reporting period has witnessed elections in Benin, Cabo Verde, Cote d’Ivoire and Niger. These elections were held in a peaceful environment, despite security related challenges. The new governments have assumed charge in these countries and in Ghana - which is a model democracy for the West Africa region. In Niger, the democratic transfer of power through elections was unprecedented. In Benin as well, peaceful elections have taken place with the increasing participation of its citizens in the election process. The leadership in these countries has risen to meet the hopes and expectations of the people. We extend our felicitations to the elected leaders and their peoples.

4. The countries in the region have also made significant progress towards reconciliation, constitutional reforms and enhancing participation of women in governance structures. The political environment in West Africa is more vibrant and inclusive than ever. Those who highlight the negative aspects of developments need to keep in mind that till not so long ago, this Council used to deal with several country specific agenda items. That is not the case today. We believe that these positive developments deserve unequivocal appreciation of this Council, even though there may be a few aberrations to this trend. With more elections scheduled in the coming months, the countries in the region require the continued support of bilateral partners and the international community.

5. On the security front, the situation in the region remains stable, except in the G-5 Sahel countries and Lake Chad basin. The terror attacks in Burkina Faso, particularly in regions bordering Mali and Niger, have continued unabated. Terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime have also increased. These developments underscore the urgent need to further intensify efforts to combat terrorism, which is spilling over into other countries and regions. The political instability and volatile security situation in Mali is a cause for concern. All stakeholders in Mali should renew their commitment to the Peace Agreement and its implementation and assume ownership of the Transition Roadmap. The support and assistance of bilateral and international partners to Mali, including the UN, AU and ECOWAS is critical during these difficult times. We echo the call of the Secretary General to ensure predictable and sustainable funding to the G5 Sahel Joint Force. We also extend our appreciation to the work of the Multinational Joint Task Force, which is playing an instrumental role in counter insurgency operations.

6. On the piracy front, it is matter of concern that the Gulf of Guinea remains a piracy hotspot with as many as 17 incidents having occurred during the last six months. Several Indian sailors have also been victims of piracy and kidnappings. There is an urgent need to increase surveillance to ensure maritime security in the area through increased international collaboration.

7. The SG’s report mentions that 29 million people in the Sahel are in need of humanitarian assistance this year. The Covid-19 pandemic has also increased the vulnerability of the population. Moreover, several countries of the region are among the youngest countries in the world. Due to poverty and unemployment, many of them are falling victims to drug trafficking, leading in turn to a further increase in criminality, kidnappings and banditry. It is unfortunate that the humanitarian situation in the region is not receiving the requisite attention of the international community. There is an urgent need to scale up assistance, including by increasingly utilizing African capacities, products and services.

8. Lastly, Mr. President, India attaches high importance to its relations with the West Africa region. India has opened five new diplomatic missions in the region and is in the process of opening another four by the end of the year. India has, so far, provided soft loans amounting to US$ 3.3 billion for projects in West Africa and Sahel in agriculture, irrigation, water supply, energy, solar and health sectors. Under the ambit of the India-UN Development Partnership Fund, we are also providing US $ 9 million for livelihood projects in 9 West African countries. India also has a robust security partnership with countries in the region. We have also commenced counter-terrorism training in the region.  Under our Defence ITEC training program, we are currently providing about 250 training slots to countries in the region. We remain committed to supporting countries in West Africa through capacity building and strengthening of democratic institutions.

I thank you.

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