Sahel: Statement During UN Peacebuilding Commission Meeting

Thank you Chair,

And thank you briefers. I join in welcoming you, Mr. Abdoulaye Mar Dieye as the new UN Special Coordinator for development in the Sahel.

Kenya would like to convey our sincere condolences to the people and Government of Chad, through Ambassador (Mrs.) Ammo Aziza Baroud, following the death of President Idriss Déby. His leadership in the efforts towards peace and security in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin cannot be overstated.

Excellencies, I would like to begin by noting that the A3+1 (Kenya, Niger, Tunisia and the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines), have endeavored to speak with one voice on matters pertaining to the peace, security and development of the Sahel in the Security Council.

In the Sahelian context, Kenya believes that meaningful translation of the UN Integrated Strategy for the Sahel (UNISS), and other international frameworks is better served by reinforcing the existing grassroots-centered initiatives and regional mechanisms including the Regional Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Strategy (RSS), the Mano River Union, and other sub-regional mechanisms.

This morning, I will highlight three areas that we believe would benefit from prioritization of local mechanisms and coordinated action between the PBC and the Security Council. The three areas are Climate Action; Addressing terrorism and violent extremism through Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR); and implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

On Climate Action:

Kenya supports the pragmatic move to integrate climate induced security threats to the mandate of the United Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

Therefore, we see the inclusion of Climate Action as one of the six priority areas of the UN Sahel Support Plan (UNSP) is an important and welcome step. The PBC and the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) can continue pushing for a UN integrated reporting mechanism and joint initiatives for the identified ten countries, some of which are engaging or have engaged with the PBC in one form or another.

Decisions, policies and investment in these priority areas should also aim at reinforcing local sustainability, and establishment of resilient infrastructure, technology and markets that will benefit every sector of the Sahelian population including women and youth.

On the issue of violent extremism and terrorism:

I reaffirm that Kenya condemns all forms of terrorist and violent extremism acts that hinder peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel and jeopardise the safety and security of peacekeepers and local peacebuilders.

We welcome the Secretary-General's call for enhanced coordination among regional and international security responses in combatting terrorism in the Sahel as outlined in resolution 2531. Kenya is of the view that national security forces, the G5 Sahel, the G5 Joint Force (FC-G5S), and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) have a comparative advantage of familiarity with the people, culture, language and terrain although funding remains an undermining factor.

The flexibility and adaptability of these sub-regional collective mandates, which also include restoration of state authority, cross-border strategies, the return of displaced persons and refugees, and regional economic integration also offer a good opportunity for the Security Council and PBC coordination.

In particular, Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) can be prioritised to reinforce collective regional security efforts, including steps towards the G5 Joint Force self-sufficiency.

SSR and DDR processes can also support the scaling up of communal, national and sub-regional security mechanisms to eliminate the threat of terrorism from Boko Haram, and Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State affiliates in the broader Sahel and the continent at large.

Third, on the SDGs:

Kenya believes that better linkage of investments from International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and regional banks with SDGs and AU 2063 Agenda can contribute significantly to the alleviation of what has become a situation of protracted emergencies in the Sahel.

Additionally, the PBC and PBF can explore entry points on how cross-border peace and development efforts and projects can be operationalised within the new Integrated Territorial Development Project between the municipalities of the Sahel financed by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU).

I will conclude with a question to the briefers — Given the multifaceted challenges to peacebuilding and security in the Sahel, what in your view is the most immediate measure that can be undertaken by the Security Council in the next 12 to 24 months to significantly and sustainably reduce the operational and political impact of Al Qaeda terrorist affiliates and splinter groups?

I thank you.