18.12.2025 Statement by Denmark at the UNSC briefing on UNOWAS

Checked against delivery

Thank you, Mr. President.

And let me also thank Deputy-SRSG Freeman for your insightful remarks.

I will raise three points.

First,

Denmark is concerned about the situation for democratic governance in West Africa and the Sahel and its consequences for peace and security in the region.

Denmark condemns the unconstitutional change of government in Guinea-Bissau and the attempt to violently seize power in Benin. We call for the immediate return to constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and underscore the need for the electoral process to resume, while civic rights are being upheld.

We welcome the recent deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to Benin to support constitutional order and commend the ECOWAS heads of state and government for their clear stance against unconstitutional changes of government.

Inclusive, democratic governance is essential for peace and justice as well as for sustainable development. We cannot risk the collapse of governance institutions. We cannot let civic freedoms and human rights be restricted.

Second,

West Africa and the Sahel are facing increasing threats to peace and security. Challenges span from unconstitutional changes of government to terrorism, increasingly dire consequences of climate change, inequalities, and violent conflict. All factors that drive humanitarian needs.

These challenges call upon a stronger regional cooperation, in particular on counterterrorism efforts, building on respect for human rights and for international law.

While strengthening regional responses, we must also support national prevention capacities to face these interlinked challenges. We must support the resilience of communities and countries. And ensure that the perspectives of all segments of society are taken into account.

Joint strategic planning and analysis between UN entities and partners are important in this regard. A comprehensive approach is important to address the situation in the region, and it can be supported through collaboration between this Council and the Peacebuilding Commission as well as between UNOWAS and UN agencies, funds and programmes.

Third,

Cross-border initiatives and regional collaboration is essential in addressing multidimensional challenges to security and finding a shared path towards peace.

At the Security Council meeting in November on peace consolidation in West Africa, we heard from the briefers that there is a need for trust building among countries in the region. The briefers shared that such trust building is essential for counter-terrorism in the region.

We support ECOWAS in exercising its role as the primary regional actor addressing terrorism in the region, in alignment with other regional initiatives. The AU and the UN should support these efforts through facilitation of dialogue and by fertilizing the ground for renewed trust between countries in the region.

In conclusion, Mr. President,

As Deputy SRSG Freeman has outlined, UNOWAS provides important support to regional dialogue and mediation, as well as efforts to strengthen the Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security agendas and provide assistance to nationally owned prevention initiatives. This work remains critical, and requires our collective support.

As co-penholder for UNOWAS Denmark looks forward to working with all Council members on the renewal of its mandate in January 2026.

As this is the last regular UNOWAS briefing before Sierra Leone concludes their term on the Council. On this occasion, I would like to express my gratitude for your important work and leadership in bringing the Council’s attention to the peace and security situation in West Africa and the Sahel. We also look forward to working with Liberia as incoming West African member of the Council.

I thank you.