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18.11.2025 Statement for the UNSC briefing on peace consolidation in Africa

Who Deputy Permanent Representative, Sandra Jensen Landi
Who Deputy Permanent Representative, Sandra Jensen Landi
When 18.11.2025

Checked Against Delivery

 

Thank you, President Bio

 

Let me also thank Secretary-General Guterres and ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Touray for their truly insightful remarks. Thank you for demonstrating the interconnected nature of the security threats facing West Africa and the Sahel and for your recommendations on how to face them. I would also like to recognise the participation of the countries from the region in this meeting.

 

We are deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and the dire humanitarian consequences of the violence. These challenges transcend borders, reminding us that instability anywhere is a threat to stability everywhere.

 

Mr. President, I will raise three points.

 

First,

 

Regional cooperation forms the backbone of any effort to confront this fluid, crossborder nature of terrorism. ECOWAS is well-placed as a regional actor bringing together the collective strength of the region. For this approach to be effective, all regional actors must support a comprehensive regional approach and coordinated effort. In this regard, we strongly encourage Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to recommit to international and regional cooperation, including with ECOWAS and the AU.

 

The development of a joint regional counter-terrorism strategy, with support from the UN, would constitute a strong step forward. Such a strategy should align with ECOWAS’ existing efforts and with other regional initiatives, such as a revitalised Accra Initiative, and should also consider the approach of the Multinational Joint Task Force.

 

It is in the national security interest of all of us to tackle terrorism and to do so in a manner consistent with International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law. We should have effective, rule of law-compliant response-mechanisms in place to counter the threat when it materialises into planning and attacks. Failure to uphold human rights and the rule of law will only further erode trust in national authorities, push people in the arms of violent extremism, and contribute to aggravate security issues in the Sahel.

 

Second, Mr. President,

 

Preventive action is always the most effective action.

 

Advancing the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda is a cornerstone for strengthening preventive action. When young people are offered real opportunities across societies, they gain solid ground to stand on – skills, purpose, and a sense of belonging. These opportunities become a bridge away from the pull of extremist movements and towards a future where they can see – and build – alternative paths for themselves.

 

Response to terrorism and violent extremism that rely too narrowly on security measures risk undermining local prevention and peacebuilding efforts – many of which are led by women and youth, and their voices must be at the centre of our responses.

 

Third, Mr. President,

 

The UN also has an important role to play in addressing the multi-dimensional challenges the region faces. Denmark calls on all countries in the region to collaborate with the UN.

 

Denmark is a firm supporter of resolution 2719. And we stand ready to consider its future potential relevance, should there be appetite in the region, in this Council and in the AU.

 

UNOWAS provides important support to regional dialogue and mediation, as well as efforts to strengthen the Women, Peace and Security agenda and provide assistance to nationally owned prevention initiatives. This work remains critical, and requires our collective support.

 

Denmark is pleased to work with Sierra Leone as penholder for UNOWAS and we look forward to working with all Council members on the renewal of its mandate that expires in January 2026. 

 

In conclusion, Mr. President,

 

We believe we need to invest in both protection and prevention in order to counter the spread of terrorism from the Sahel to the coastal states of West Africa and to the wider region. A critical first step is to ensure political commitment to regional and international cooperation from all actors.

 

Denmark is a longstanding partner of the West Africa and Sahel, including in areas of counter terrorism, peacebuilding, development cooperation and humanitarian aid. We will continue to cooperate with the region in pursuing collective solutions to shared challenges.

 

I thank you.