Delivered by Permanent Representative, H.E. Mr. Sven Jürgenson
Thank you Mr. President,
I would like to thank today’s briefers for their valuable input and the French presidency for convening the meeting.
The growing number of terrorist attacks against the civilians and the national and regional security forces in the Sahel region is extremely concerning. More attacks often result in the withdrawal of the State presence from already fragile areas, which in turn negatively affects the humanitarian situation on the ground. We must therefore work even more efficiently together to strengthen the State and security presence in areas that are the most affected. In this regard, we commend the efforts of regional and sub-regional organisations such as the AU and ECOWAS to coordinate and further mobilize joint counterterrorist operations.
It is encouraging that the G5 Sahel Joint Force has conducted an increased number of operations over the past six months and strengthened its capabilities. The terrorist threat, as it is often cross-border in nature, needs to be addressed in such a manner. It is positive that the G5 countries took the decisions at the beginning of the year to allow for more flexibility when conducting the Joint Force operations across State borders.
In order to make the counter-terrorist efforts in the Sahel region as effective as possible, we need to strengthen the cooperation between the various actors that are operating in the region. Estonia closely monitors the developments in the Sahel and contributes to restoring security and stability in a number of ways, including personnell to MINUSMA, the French-led Barkhane operation and financial contributions to the EU Trust Fund for Africa. Furthermore, we are part of the recently created Task Force Takuba, which will be specifically aimed at tackling the terrorist threat in the Liptako-Gourma area.
Mr. President,
Allow me to stress the importance of adhering to the human rights principles and the international humanitarian law framework when conducting the counter-terrorist operations. We commend the G5 States on the steps taken in raising awareness and the training of the Joint Force, as well as for the announcements to investigate the alleged violations of human rights, and we stand ready to support this process further.
Finally, to achieve the long-term security in the Sahel, we need to address the root causes of the instability. In this regard, it is necessary to make efforts to reduce poverty, marginalization of certain groups and promote gender equality. It is of the utmost importance to keep those aspects in mind when designing the strategies and mandates together with the countries of the region.
Thank you!