Statement by H.E. Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes, Permanent Representative of Latvia to the UN, UN Security Council briefing on maintenance of peace and security in West Africa and the Sahel
14 July 2026
Mr. President,
I thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Leonardo Santos Simão for his briefing.
I would like to highlight three points.
First, terrorism in the Sahel is evolving faster than our collective response. The Sahel remains among the world’s most terrorism-affected regions, accounting for more than half of all terrorism-related deaths globally. The threat is increasingly extending towards neighbouring coastal States.
Terrorist groups, including JNIM and regional affiliates of the Islamic State continue to expand their reach, deepen ties with organised crime networks, and exploit porous borders, governance vacuums, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and illicit trafficking and financial flows.
A series of coordinated attacks across Mali have demonstrated the ability of these groups to strike simultaneously across multiple fronts. Similarly, repeated attacks targeting Niamey international airport within the first six months of this year illustrate their capacity to conduct complex operations against strategic infrastructure, including in urban areas.
Latvia condemns in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attacks and stands in full solidarity with the peoples of West Africa and the Sahel.
Alongside terrorism, ongoing violence and conflict, political instability, and climate-related shocks have resulted in the displacement of 6.8 million people across the region. Worsening humanitarian conditions and severely constrained access have deprived millions of life-saving assistance, and left growing numbers of people increasingly vulnerable.
Terrorist groups in the region are adapting their means and methods of attack, including through the increased use of emerging technologies and commercial satellites. This extends their operational reach and enhances their ability to coordinate attacks across borders. It also facilitates terrorism financing through cryptocurrencies and the spread of propaganda and disinformation.
Countering terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel therefore requires stronger regional coordination, supported by the United Nations and international partners, as well as practical cooperation among governments, civil society, and the private sector. This is essential to disrupt terrorist financing and criminal networks, strengthen border management, and improve intelligence-sharing.
All counter-terrorism efforts should be grounded in respect for international law, including International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
Second, it is essential to maintain dialogue, despite political differences. Latvia welcomes recent efforts by ECOWAS, the African Union and regional leaders to preserve channels of communication and rebuild trust. This includes ECOWAS’s appointment of Lansana Kouyaté as Chief Negotiator for engagement with the countries of the AES; the African Union’s strengthened engagement through its Mission in Mali and the Sahel; and efforts by Ghana and Togo to reopen dialogue between coastal and central Sahel States.
We encourage Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to remain open to practical regional cooperation, including with ECOWAS and the African Union.
Latvia reiterates its firm conviction that UNOWAS plays an indispensable role in facilitating political dialogue, strengthening regional cooperation, and advancing conflict prevention.
We strongly encourage all countries of the region to leverage UNOWAS as a vital platform for practical engagement on compounding security and governance challenges. We are looking forward to the strategic review of UNOWAS, conducted by H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde.
Third, investing in youth and women is one of the most effective ways to strengthen security over the long term. Around 65 % of the Sahel's population is under the age of 30. Young people must be empowered as agents of peace and resilience rather than becoming targets of extremist recruitment.
Developing education, livelihoods, effective institutions and local governance is an investment in long-term stability and resilience. It is providing opportunities and support for meaningful civic participation.
We welcome the fact that UNOWAS systematically integrates the Women, Peace and Security agenda. True security cannot be achieved without addressing the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls. Ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women is an operational prerequisite for long-term stability.
Mr. President,
Regional ownership, backed by sustained international support, remains the only path to lasting peace. The people of West Africa and the Sahel have demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Security Council must remain fully engaged. Together, we must break the cycle of violence.
I thank you.