11.12.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on UNOCA

Cheked against delivery

Thank you, Madame President.

Let me also thank Special Representative Abarry and Christelle Huré from the Norwegian Refugee Council for their briefings. I also welcome the representative from Equatorial Guinea to this meeting.

I would like to highlight three points today.

First, on the security situation.

We remain concerned by the continued insecurity across Central Africa. Protracted conflicts in Sudan and Eastern DRC risk spilling over and destabilising the region.

The Council is directly addressing both of these devastating conflicts individually this week. However today, we reiterate our call on all parties to cease hostilities and urgently address humanitarian needs. 

The region continues to be plagued by terrorist activities. Attacks by Boko Haram and splinter groups in Cameroon and Chad have caused serious civilian casualties and security incidents since June of this year.

Despite a modest overall decline in incidents, terrorist groups continue to pose a real threat to regional stability, in particular through the increased use of drones and improvised explosive devices.

We underscore the urgent need for strengthened regional cooperation, sustained support to the Multinational Joint Task Force, and enhanced protection measures for civilians in affected border areas.

Second, Madame President,

Sustainable peace in Central Africa requires respect for international human rights, fundamental freedoms and credible democratic processes.

In Cameroon, we are deeply alarmed by reported violence, repression, and arrests of protesters and political actors in connection with the election results.

We urge all Cameroonian political leaders and their supporters to foster inclusive and constructive dialogue.

We call on all governments in the region to safeguard the freedom of expression and association and other fundamental freedoms, and ensure the integrity of electoral processes in upcoming cycles, including wide-ranging elections in the Central African Republic which begins this month.

We reaffirm the importance of the protection of civic space and inclusive processes that foster the meaningful participation of women and youth.

Third, Madame President,

Central Africa is confronting increasingly severe and interconnected risks driven by climate change and environmental shocks.

These challenges are heightening competition over natural resources and exacerbating tensions between farmers and herders. They are adding pressure to already fragile contexts across the region.

Strengthening climate resilience, improving resource management, and supporting conflict-sensitive adaptation measures are essential to prevent such crises and to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development.

Addressing these challenges requires united action. Denmark supports UNOCA’s work on climate, peace and security, including through the Climate Security Mechanism and the Climate, Peace and Security Advisor.

The Council must also remain engaged. We welcome the current visit of the IEG on climate, peace and security to the Lake Chad Basin and look forward to following up on this visit.

Across the region, we encourage expanded joint initiatives with ECCAS, its member states and other UN actors in the region, including UNOWAS, to advance coordinated and sustainable responses.

Madame President, in closing,

Denmark encourages UNOCA to continue working with regional organisations to promote inclusive governance and address the complex challenges threatening stability, peace and security in the Central African region.

We look forward to working with all Council members and regional partners to this end.

I thank you.