The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Ms. Barrie Freeman, today briefed the Security Council on the latest report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), covering the period from 1 August to 28 November 2025.
Addressing members of the Security Council, Ms. Freeman noted that the situation in West Africa and the Sahel continues to be shaped by contrasting dynamics, reflecting both the region’s persistent vulnerabilities and the resilience of its societies, in a context characterized by complex security, political and humanitarian challenges.
On the political front, the Deputy Special Representative drew the attention of Council members to recent developments in several countries of the region, recalling that “experience across the region shows that governance reforms perceived as exclusionary erode legitimacy and fuel popular discontent.” She stressed the need for inclusive dialogue and open political processes, noting that UNOWAS intends to “intensify its support to nationally owned dialogue processes, including through engagement with civil society, youth and women.”
On Guinea-Bissau, Ms. Freeman noted recent developments that have heightened political tensions and underscored the importance of restraint, inclusive dialogue and respect for constitutional order. She further called on Council members “to support ECOWAS efforts to restore constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and more broadly protect the region’s democratic gains.”
Ms. Freeman further alerted the Council to the “erosion of democratic norms and standards” in the region, highlighting the “shrinking of civic and political space” as well as concerning reports of “unlawful detentions, torture and enforced disappearances” in some countries.
Turning to the security situation, Ms. Freeman recalled that “the Sahel remains the global epicentre of violent extremism,” and underscored the continued expansion of terrorist groups across the central Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin and towards coastal States. She warned of the growing convergence between terrorism and organized crime, stressing that “these converging threats require coordinated responses and enhanced regional and international support.”
The Deputy Special Representative also highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences of persistent insecurity. She recalled that humanitarian needs remain largely unmet, noting that “only 25 per cent of the United Nations humanitarian appeal for the Central Sahel has been mobilized,” while millions of people continue to face forced displacement, food insecurity and limited access to basic services. She further emphasized the aggravating impact of climate shocks, observing that floods and extreme weather events “are displacing millions of people and severely disrupting livelihoods.”
Ms. Freeman reaffirmed UNOWAS’ commitment to supporting the efforts of States in the region and regional organizations, in particular ECOWAS and the African Union, to promote peace, security and stability, as well as to preserve democratic gains. She welcomed ongoing efforts to operationalize the ECOWAS regional counter-terrorism force and urged Member States to “translate commitments under Security Council resolution 2719 into predictable financing for the Sahel.”
On cross-cutting issues, the Deputy Special Representative noted progress in the implementation of Security Council resolutions 1325 on Women, Peace and Security and 2250 on Youth, Peace and Security, while stressing that “women and youth remain under-represented in decision-making processes and political dialogue.” She recalled that, in a region where the median age is 17, “their calls for greater inclusion to secure more peaceful futures must be heeded.”
In closing, Ms. Freeman reaffirmed that, despite a complex regional context, “UNOWASremains a trusted convener and a facilitator of dialogue,” committed to continuing its engagement alongside the leaders and peoples of the region to “bridge divides and foster lasting peace and stability in West Africa and the Sahel.”
