I will make three points today. First, the United Kingdom urges support for democracy, constitutional order and the protection of civic space in the region. We welcome the steps taken towards a return to constitutional order in Guinea and Mali and note recent developments in Niger. 

We urge the authorities to maintain progress in their transitions, and call on them to lift restrictions on political parties, civil society and media institutions and on peaceful public demonstrations

We note the upcoming Presidential elections in Cote D’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau this year and call on the governments to ensure these are inclusive and align with their constitutions.

Second, the United Kingdom is concerned by the security situation in the Sahel, including terrorist groups controlling territory and wreaking havoc on local populations. We reiterate our condemnation of terrorist attacks across the region, including in Niger on 21 March, and express our condolences to the families of the victims.

We encourage UNOWAS to continue its critical role in supporting inclusive dialogue processes, which respond to and address, root causes of violence, to prevent further breaches of international humanitarian law. 

Regionally led security co-operation remains vital, and the UK welcomes efforts such as the ECOWAS standby force which will enable Member States to deploy rapidly to counter shared threats. We also encourage careful consideration of security partners in the region to avoid worsening the threat posed. 

Third, the United Kingdom is concerned at the worsening humanitarian situation in the region. Since 2019, the UK has provided life-saving assistance to over 16 million people in the Sahel. We encourage all parties to ensure rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian assistance and protect the safety of humanitarian convoys. 

To conclude, given the significant challenges the region is facing, including challenges which transcend national borders. It is imperative, therefore, that there is cooperation, coordination and communication between the states and peoples of the region with the international community.

The United Kingdom welcomes the efforts made to bridge the differences between the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS. The United Kingdom also expresses its thanks to UNOWAS for its work in aiding African states to promote freedom, security, and prosperity.

Thank you.