NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced deep concern on Thursday over the escalating instability and extremism in the Sahel region of Africa, describing the recent coup in Niger as part of a “disturbing trend” in the area.
Addressing the media, Guterres expressed alarm at the increasing number of unconstitutional changes of government in the Sahel, which have had severe impacts on civilian populations and hindered development efforts. He emphasized that the instability is particularly evident in countries already grappling with conflicts, violent extremism, and terrorism.
Niger became the third country in the Sahel, following Burkina Faso and Mali, to experience a coup orchestrated by groups affiliated with the Islamic State since 2020. Guterres noted that such upheavals only serve to benefit terrorist organizations that are becoming more dangerous and expanding their activities in the region.
UN Chief Concern Over Increase in Terrorist Attacks in African Countries
The UN chief highlighted the dramatic rise in terrorist activities in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and expressed concerns about the potential spillover effects to coastal countries. Additionally, he pointed out that military regimes have gained control in areas with fragile transitions, such as Chad, and a dire humanitarian situation, like Sudan.
The entire belt south of the Sahara is now a critical area of concern with devastating consequences for the populations and peace and stability in Africa, according to Guterres.
Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Niger President Mohamed Bazoum, who was captured by renegade troops during the coup, Guterres condemned the assault on the democratically elected government that had shown a pro-Western stance. He disclosed that he had spoken with President Bazoum, who was in detention, and expressed grave concern about the seriousness of the situation.
The UN chief emphasized the urgency of addressing the growing instability in the Sahel and stressed the need for concerted efforts to restore peace, security, and stability in the region.
